By: Alieu Ceesay and Ebrima Mbaye
Photography by: Momodou Gagigo
The village of Lamin Mandinary and surrounding settlements in the West Coast Region were engulfed in violent protests on Saturday, September 27, 2025, following the death of Omar Badjie, a young resident who died in police custody under disputed circumstances. Hundreds of youths took to the streets, burning vehicle tires, plastics, and other objects, demanding justice for what they allege was a brutal killing by the Gambia Police Force (GPF). The unrest, which saw the destruction of the Abuko Police post and injuries to residents, has intensified calls for accountability and an end to police brutality.
According to The Alkamba Times correspondent Alieu Ceesay, who provided on-the-ground coverage, the protests erupted as youths from Lamin, Mandinary, and nearby areas expressed outrage over Badjie’s death on Friday, September 26. A source close to the late Omar described him as a “good and genuine person,” fueling public anger over his death.
Demonstrators threw stones to vent their frustration, with one protester declaring to The Alkamba Times, “Police brutality must stop.” The protests disrupted daily life, with shops shuttered and fish vendors avoiding their usual markets, severely impacting local commerce.
The GPF responded with tear gas, pepper spray, and other crowd-control measures, which affected residents, including vulnerable women and children. The Gambia Red Cross Society was on the scene, providing medical assistance to those impacted, including a month-old baby who was rushed for treatment after being affected by tear gas. The heavy-handed response drew criticism, with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expressing concern over the “indiscriminate firing of teargas by the Police Intervention Unit,” which it said often exacerbates tensions.
The NHRC, in a statement issued on September 27, reported that Badjie’s death occurred during a police operation, with conflicting accounts about the cause. The GPF’s initial Flash Report claimed an unnamed suspect “fell during hot pursuit and was taken to the hospital and confirmed dead.” However, local youths interviewed by online media alleged that Badjie was beaten to death during his arrest. The NHRC called for an urgent, impartial investigation by a GPF Task Force, with independent oversight, to clarify the circumstances of Badjie’s death. “The findings must be made public to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence,” the NHRC stated, citing The Gambia’s obligations under the 1997 Constitution and international human rights treaties, including the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act 2023.
The Ministry of Interior, in a press release, confirmed that Badjie’s death occurred during a police patrol in Mandinary Village targeting youths allegedly smoking cannabis. “One of the youths, later identified as Omar Badjie, fell on the ground, was picked up, and was rushed to the Banjulinding Health Center and subsequently referred to Kanifing General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” the Ministry stated.
The news sparked chaos, leading to the vandalism of a police post and injuries to police personnel, some requiring hospitalization. The Ministry announced that a coroner’s inquest would be instituted immediately to determine the cause of death, with the results to be made public. It expressed regret for the loss of life and assured the community of its commitment to the rule of law.
The GPF, in an update on September 27, reported that 19 youths arrested on Friday in connection with the unrest were released from custody on Saturday. However, protests continued, with demonstrators blocking public highways, prompting the GPF to declare such assemblies “unlawful” and warn against actions that disrupt public safety. “The public is strongly advised to adhere to the law and avoid any acts that could continue escalating tensions,” the GPF stated, urging calm and cooperation to maintain peace.
The NHRC condemned recurring incidents of arbitrary police conduct and called for accelerated security sector reforms, including training in human rights and non-lethal policing methods. It also appealed to the youth to refrain from violence and allow due process to proceed, emphasizing that suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Despite the release of the arrested youths, no medical examination results regarding Badjie’s death have been provided, further fueling demands for justice.
As Lamin Mandinary remains tense with a heavy security presence, the community awaits the promised inquest.
