Today, we stand in solemn remembrance of Ebrima Solo Sandeng and the brave souls who, on April 14, 2016, and beyond, faced the brutal hand of oppression under the regime of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice and democracy lit a spark that changed the course of The Gambia’s history. This tribute honors their legacy and the enduring spirit of those who dared to dream of a freer nation.
Solo Sandeng was no ordinary man. A devoted husband, father, and patriot, he was a pillar of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and a fierce advocate for electoral reform. On that fateful day in April 2016, he led a peaceful protest at Westfield Junction, demanding fairness and freedom in a country stifled by fear. His call was simple yet profound: a Gambia where voices could rise without retribution, where democracy was not a distant hope but a lived reality. Alongside him stood men and women—Nogoi Njie, Fatoumatta Jawara, Fatou Camara, and others—whose bravery matched his own. They marched not for personal gain but for the soul of their nation.
Tragically, Solo Sandeng’s life was cut short. Arrested by agents of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), he endured unimaginable torture and was killed within days, his body buried in an unmarked grave near Tanji. The regime’s attempt to silence him failed. His death and the arrests and brutalization of his fellow protesters ignited a fire that could not be extinguished. The April 14 protests gave birth to a movement, uniting Gambians in defiance of tyranny. Eight months later, the people’s vote ousted Jammeh, ending his 22-year reign of terror.
We also remember the countless others who suffered under Jammeh’s iron fist. The April 14 victims—those arrested, tortured, and killed—represent the thousands who faced arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Their stories uncovered through the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) reveal a regime that thrived on fear yet crumbled under collective resistance. The courage of survivors like Nogoi Njie, who recounted the horrors of torture, and the resolve of families like Solo’s, who founded the Solo Sandeng Foundation, remind us that justice is a flame that endures.
Solo Sandeng’s sacrifice was not in vain. His death galvanized a coalition of opposition parties, rallied a nation, and paved the way for Adama Barrow’s victory in 2016. The convictions of five former NIA officials in 2022, including Yankuba Badjie and Sheikh Omar Jeng, marked a step toward accountability, though the fight for full justice continues. Now in exile, Jammeh cannot escape the truth: the blood of Solo and others cries out, and history will not forget.
To Solo Sandeng, You were a hero who stood at the “point of no return,” as you told your cousin, refusing to bow to fear. Your legacy lives in every Gambian who votes freely, speaks boldly, and dares to dream. To the April 14 victims—named and unnamed—we honor your pain and your triumph. You are the heartbeat of a new Gambia, a nation striving for healing and reconciliation.
As we reflect, let us commit to upholding the values Solo died for: democracy, human rights, and justice. The Never Again Arch, where Solo’s state funeral was held in 2023, stands as a reminder that such atrocities must never recur. Yet, the electoral laws he fought against remain challenging to complete his work. Let us carry forward his vision, ensuring that no Gambian ever again pays the ultimate price for freedom.
Rest in eternal peace, Solo Sandeng and all the April 14 victims. Your sacrifice broke the chains of oppression. Your names are etched in our hearts, and your courage inspires generations yet to come. We will not forget. We will not relent.
For The Gambia, our homeland, ever true.
