The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has issued a powerful call to President Adama Barrow, urging an immediate and independent investigation into recent police conduct in the West Coast Region and the tragic death of Omar Badgie. The incidents, which occurred in Mandinari and Lamin on September 26 and 27, 2025, have sparked widespread concern over potential human rights violations and police accountability.
In a formal letter addressed to the President, EFSCRJ highlighted that the circumstances surrounding these events may breach fundamental rights enshrined in the 1997 Constitution, including the right to life (Section 18), personal liberty (Section 19), dignity (Section 21), freedom of assembly (Section 25), and equal protection under the law (Section 28). The organization also noted The Gambia’s obligations under international frameworks, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The EFSCRJ’s demands are clear and urgent. First, it calls for the establishment of an Independent Presidential Investigation Committee, led by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and including representatives from the Gambia Bar Association, civil society, and other independent stakeholders. This committee would investigate police conduct, the circumstances of Badgie’s death, and systemic issues related to the use of force. Second, the organization demands a coroner’s inquest under the Coroners Act to transparently determine the cause and manner of Badgie’s death. Finally, EFSCRJ insists on the identification and suspension of all police officers involved in the Mandinari incident, with their names, ranks, and mugshots made public to ensure transparency.
“This is a critical juncture for The Gambia’s commitment to justice and human rights,” said Madi Jobarteh, Executive Director of EFSCRJ. “The death of Omar Badgie under police-involved circumstances demands swift, impartial action to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent further erosion of public trust. We stand ready to collaborate with the government to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all Gambians.”
The EFSCRJ warned that inaction could jeopardize national peace, deepen public mistrust in state institutions, and heighten tensions. The organization has shared its letter with key figures, including the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Attorney General, the National Security Advisor, the Inspector General of Police, the Chair of the NHRC, and the President of the Gambia Bar Association, signaling a broad push for accountability.
Badgie’s death has become a flashpoint for concerns over police conduct in The Gambia, with civil society groups and citizens calling for justice. The EFSCRJ’s statement underscores 2025 as a pivotal year for transparency and accountability, urging the government to act decisively to restore public confidence.
