The Nyang-Sanneh Institute (NSI), alongside other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in The Gambia, has issued a powerful condemnation of the brutal treatment and alleged torture of Omar Badjie, a resident of Mandinary in Kombo North, West Coast Region, by members of the Gambia Police Force. The incident, believed to have led to Badjie’s death, has sparked outrage, with CSOs describing it as a gross violation of human rights and a stark breach of the rule of law.
In a statement released on September 29, 2025, NSI and its partners expressed deep concern over recurring police brutality, citing Badjie’s case as part of a disturbing pattern of violence that has claimed lives and caused irreparable harm. “These repeated acts of brutality are unacceptable in a society that upholds justice and human dignity,” the statement read, highlighting a systemic failure within institutions meant to protect citizens.
The CSOs recalled other victims of similar excesses, emphasizing that such incidents undermine trust in the Gambia Police Force and other security agencies. They argue that these violations reflect a broader need for systemic reform to ensure accountability and respect for human rights.
In response, NSI and the coalition have issued a series of demands aimed at addressing the crisis. They unequivocally denounce the extra-judicial killing of Omar Badjie and others, calling for immediate government action to implement robust safeguards to prevent further deaths in custody. Additionally, they urged a comprehensive overhaul of the security sector, prioritizing reforms in the police force and extending them to the military and other institutions. The reforms should focus on transparency, accountability, and adherence to human rights standards.
The CSOs’ statement has reignited calls for justice and reform in The Gambia, as citizens and activists demand an end to impunity. Pressure is mounting for swift action to address these grave concerns and restore public trust in the nation’s security institutions.
