Prominent political parties and leading civil society organizations have issued strong statements condemning the rearrest of Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie Bojang, after a High Court judge acquitted and discharged them of all charges.
Ousainou Bojang had faced accusations since September 2023 of shooting three Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers, two of whom died. His sister, Amie, was charged as an alleged accomplice. After more than two years and eight months in detention at Mile 2 Prisons, Justice Jaiteh delivered a landmark ruling on March 30, 2026, acquitting both siblings of all charges.
However, as they prepared for release on Tuesday, armed police officers reportedly rearrested them, triggering immediate outrage and accusations of executive interference in the judiciary.
The Unite Movement was among the first to voice grave concern. In a strongly worded statement titled “We Stand with the People, with Ousainou, and with the Sanctity of Our Laws,” the movement described the rearrest as raising serious questions about public confidence in the justice system.
“This is not merely about one individual. It touches on the integrity of the Gambian judiciary, the certainty of court decisions, and the protection of citizens’ rights under the law,” the statement read.
The Unite Movement expressed unequivocal solidarity with Ousainou Bojang, his sister Fatou, and their entire family, urging them to “remain strong.” It called on authorities to urgently and transparently clarify the legal grounds for the rearrest, warning that any undermining of the rule of law would not be tolerated.
“Gambians will not condone any undermining of the rule of law. We will not stand by while the foundations of due process are placed in doubt. A court’s verdict must carry weight and certainty,” the movement declared.
It further appealed to all Gambians, civil society, the Bar Association, the media, and peace-loving citizens to remain vigilant.
“We call on all Gambians… to defend the integrity of our courts, protect our fellow citizens, and uphold the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
The Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) went further, directly addressing President Adama Barrow. In a public statement issued on March 31, 2026, the center demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of Ousainou and Amie Bojang.
“The continued assault on their freedom and dignity by the Gambia Police Force is not only unlawful, but also poses a grave threat to democratic stability, peace, and security in this country,” EFSCRJ warned.
The rights group emphasized that the Constitution guarantees equality before the law, the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial. It stressed that only courts have the authority to determine guilt or innocence.
“Since September 2023… both were subjected to a painful and protracted trial. That ordeal came to an end on March 30, 2026, when Justice Jaiteh acquitted and discharged both… It is therefore deeply alarming that as they were due to be released… they were re-arrested by armed police officers,” the statement said.
EFSCRJ described the action as “a blatant violation of the Constitution and a flagrant affront to the authority of the court.” It added that there is “no lawful basis for depriving persons of their liberty after they have been acquitted and discharged.”
The center called on President Barrow to fulfill his constitutional duty under Section 17 to guarantee the siblings’ freedom. It also urged Inspector General of Police Seedy Muctarr Touray and Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow to uphold the rule of law.
EFSCRJ further appealed to Members of the National Assembly, the National Human Rights Commission, and all stakeholders to defend the rights of the Bojangs, warning that what is at stake is “not only the liberty of two citizens, but also the credibility of justice, the authority of the courts, and the future of constitutional governance in The Gambia.”
In a separate press statement, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) expressed deep sympathy for the families of the two fallen PIU officers while firmly condemning the rearrest.
The PPP began by reaffirming its solidarity with the bereaved families, stating that their demand for justice “is both legitimate and urgent” and that “the entire nation stands with them.”
However, the party “strongly and unequivocally” condemned the re-arrest of Mr. Ousainou Bojang following his lawful acquittal.
“This action represents a direct and dangerous assault on the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the constitutional order of our country,” the PPP declared.
The party stressed that a court judgment, particularly an acquittal, is final and binding unless overturned through proper legal channels. “It is not subject to circumvention or reversal by executive action,” it added.
While acknowledging that the government’s filing of a motion to block the release might be viewed as a legal tactic, the PPP warned that such processes “must not be used to defeat or delay the clear effect of a court’s judgment.”
The PPP noted that the acquittal does not resolve the question of who is responsible for the killings. It therefore called for a “fresh, independent, and transparent investigation” to identify the real perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The party issued five specific demands to the government to immediately cease any actions that undermine or contradict the court’s ruling; Provide a clear and lawful explanation for the re-arrest of Mr. Bojang; Fully respect and uphold the authority and independence of the judiciary; Launch a fresh, independent, and transparent investigation aimed at identifying the real perpetrators; and Ensure that the families of the victims receive the truth and closure they deserve.
“This moment is a defining test of leadership. The nation is watching closely,” the PPP stated, adding that the rule of law must stand and the truth must be found.
As of late Tuesday night, neither the Gambia Police Force nor the Ministry of Justice had issued an official explanation for the rearrest. The developments have sparked widespread debate on social media and in public spaces, with many Gambians expressing fears that the incident could erode public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.
Civil society groups and legal experts continue to closely monitor the situation, with calls growing for the immediate release of the Bojangs and for full respect for the court’s verdict.
The case has now become a major test for The Gambia’s young democracy, raising fundamental questions about the separation of powers, judicial independence, and the commitment of state institutions to the rule of law.
