Amadou Jaiteh, leader of the opposition Progress Party, has strongly condemned the reported assault and humiliation of Kebba Madi Bojang, leader of the National Democratic Party, by officers of the Gambia Immigration Department, describing the incident as a disturbing abuse of state authority.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, Jaiteh declared that no Gambian, regardless of political affiliation, should face violence, humiliation, or degrading treatment at the hands of those entrusted with public power.
“The uniform of the state must never become a license for abuse,” Jaiteh said. “Law enforcement officers have a duty to uphold the law, but they must do so with discipline, restraint, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.”
Jaiteh said videos and reports of the incident circulating on social media are “deeply disturbing.” He expressed concern that the alleged mistreatment raises serious questions about the conduct of Gambia’s security institutions at a time when the country is approaching another election cycle.
“At such a sensitive time, state institutions must be seen to be neutral, lawful, and professional. They must never appear to be instruments of political intimidation,” he warned.
The opposition leader called for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the matter. He demanded that the officers involved be identified and, if misconduct is proven, face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
“This moment should remind us why The Gambia urgently needs serious security-sector reform,” Jaiteh added. “Our security forces must be servants and protectors of the people, not agents of fear. Public trust cannot be built through force, intimidation, or silence. It can only be built through accountability, professionalism, and respect for the rights of every citizen.”
Jaiteh stressed that a democratic society must never normalize brutality. “Whether one is a political leader, a supporter, or an ordinary citizen, every Gambian deserves dignity, protection, and justice under the law,” he concluded.
