By Abdoulie John
The Chairperson of the Banjul-based African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), Idrissa Sow, has vowed to act firmly within his mandate to protect human rights defenders amid a government crackdown on pro-democracy activists in The Gambia.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, Sow reiterated the Commission’s commitment to upholding freedom, democracy, and citizens’ rights to express dissent.
“We’ve taken note. It is part of our mandate to protect human rights defenders,” Sow told reporters. “There is a project specifically dedicated to people like you who are exercising their rights to protest.”
The remarks come as the Gambia government has intensified a full-scale crackdown on pro-democracy activists in recent months, with several facing criminal charges. The moves have sparked widespread concern both domestically and internationally, with many Gambians urging authorities to honor the democratic promises that accompanied the 2017 transition from former President Yahya Jammeh’s authoritarian rule.
Addressing the case of detainees linked to the Gambia Against Looted Assets (GALA) group, Sow highlighted the Commission’s existing mechanisms for monitoring the situation. He noted that a Kenyan national serving as the ACHPR’s Focal Point on Gambian Affairs has been regularly issuing reports on the country’s human rights developments.
“If what you said is corroborated by the Commission Focal Point, we will act accordingly,” Sow assured. “Within our mandate, the ACHPR will do what it takes to remind member States of their responsibility.”
The ACHPR Chairperson also expressed readiness to promote dialogue with Gambian stakeholders, including members of Team Gom Sa Boppa, to address ongoing challenges and foster constructive engagement between the government and civil society.
As the ACHPR opens its 87th Ordinary Session in The Gambia, observers say the timing presents a crucial opportunity for the Commission to adopt a more people-centered approach. Many hope the session will yield concrete steps to hold authorities accountable and reinforce democratic gains made since 2017.
Sow’s statements signal a potentially more assertive stance by the continental human rights body, which has faced past criticism for its limited follow-up on reported violations in member states. Rights groups and activists are watching closely to see whether the Commission’s words translate into tangible interventions in The Gambia.
