Casualties were reported among different groups, including elderly residents, young people and at least one infant, all of whom were rushed to the Brufut Health Centre for treatment.
The Brufut market was also heavily affected when tear gas landed within the vicinity, forcing vendors to flee and abandon their goods. Business activities came to an abrupt halt as panic gripped traders and customers alike.
Gibbeh Sarr, a market vendor, expressed frustration over how the situation was handled by security forces. “The way the PIU officers managed the crowd was very disappointing. We had to run for our lives, leaving behind our goods and daily earnings,” she said. “Throwing tear gas into the market affected everyone, not just the protesters. The government, through the police, has failed us by using force instead of dialogue.”
Speaking to The Point newspaper, Lamin Bojang insisted that the demonstration was not solely about the case involving Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang, but rather a broader expression of dissatisfaction with governance and justice in The Gambia.
Omar Manneh, one of the protesters, told The Point that the protest symbolised a deeper frustration among citizens. “This is not just about Ousainou and his sister. It is about The Gambia,” he said. “What happened to them can happen to anyone. We are out here because we are tired and angry. We want justice and good governance. Our people have suffered a lot.”
He further alleged that the Bojang siblings had endured wrongful detention. “They suffered behind bars for a crime they did not commit, and now the state is using its power to block their release. That is injustice,” he added.
However, in a related significant development during the protest, the police released a statement on social media confirming that the state had withdrawn its legal actions seeking to halt the siblings’ release.
According to a notice filed before the High Court in Banjul, the State withdrew both an ex-parte motion and a motion on notice that sought to stay the execution of a bail order granted on March 30, 2026. The applications were initially filed pending the determination of an appeal against the judgment that acquitted the duo.
The withdrawal, signed by State Counsel A. Drammeh on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, effectively clears the way for the release of both Ousainou and Amie Bojang.
Reacting to the development, Muhammed Hydara said while the withdrawal was welcome, it did not erase the grievances that led to the protest. “Yes, we are happy about the withdrawal, but this is bigger than one case. People are losing trust in the system. The government needs to listen to the people and address these concerns before things get worse,” he said.
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