Almost everyone who spoke at the funeral rites, including the village alkalo, shared a common sentiment: the deceased was a devoted Muslim, the breadwinner of his family, and a man who worked tirelessly to reap the fruits of his labour. Omar Badjie was also praised for his active participation in village development initiatives.
At the village graveyard, many were unable to witness the burial. As his coffin was lowered into the ground, some could not bear the moment, as tears flowed once again as mourners turned away in grief.
After the final burial, one message echoed among the crowd: the call for justice and accountability.
Ebou John, a youth leader from Mandinary village, has issued a stern warning to the Gambian government, demanding swift action and justice in the case of Omar Badjie’s death. Speaking passionately at a community gathering, John declared that the youth of Mandinary would not compromise on the matter and were prepared to take drastic measures if their demands were not met.
“As a youth leader from the village, our aim is to ensure this case is never compromised,” he said. “We have submitted a four-point petition to the Ministry of Interior, which includes the immediate suspension of the four police officers involved and the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the incident. We have given the government a seven-day ultimatum to meet these demands.”
John stressed that the youth were committed to peace but would not tolerate any attempt to bury the case.
“We want peace to reign in this country. But if the government thinks we’re going to brush this case under the carpet, let them think twice,” he warned. “Police officers serve the Gambian people. The uniform they wear today, one day they will remove it and return to society. They must serve with respect, dignity, and understanding.”
“If you humiliate, maltreat, insult, and kill citizens, how will you fit into society after your service?” he asked. “We are not compromising this case. If the officers are not arrested and prosecuted, we will return to the streets. Let me make that clear.”
John also issued a direct threat of civil disobedience if the government failed to act, adding: “We will block the entire village, nothing goes in, nothing goes out,” he declared. “Before we reach that level, let the government do the needful. They have the resources to act and meet our demands.”
He reiterated that the youth were not seeking violence but were determined to see justice served. “Even if heaven falls on our heads, we will not compromise. People must go to jail for this case. That is the only acceptable outcome,” he said. “I will do my best to ensure peace prevails. The youth will not vandalise property, but if the government plays games after our seven-day ultimatum, we are going back to the streets.”
Hon. Almameh Gibba, National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala in West Coast Region, has called for accountability and justice following the death of Omar Badjie. Speaking at Badjie’s burial site in Mandinary, Hon. Gibba expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death and urged the government to take decisive action.
“We want accountability, and we want to know the cause of his death,” he said. “We want the perpetrator brought to justice. That is all we are asking for.”
While acknowledging that destiny is part of Islamic faith, Hon. Gibba emphasised that the government must not remain silent on such matters. He pledged solidarity with the youth of Mandinary, the Badjie family, and concerned citizens across the country in demanding justice.
“This matter will not be silenced. We will join hands with the youth of Mandinary, the family, and the entire country to seek justice for Omar,” he declared.
Hon. Gibba also referenced several unresolved cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, including Haruna Jatta of Kanilai, who was reportedly killed by Senegalese forces, and another youth from Bulock who was allegedly murdered and thrown into a well. He mentioned Jankeh of Kansala, a victim from his own constituency, as further evidence of a troubling pattern.
“We are all victims,” he said. “The government remained silent when Senegalese forces killed Haruna Jatta and returned to Senegal a week later. These cases have gone unanswered.”
He urged young people to pursue justice through lawful means, stressing the importance of peace and national unity.
“Let us follow due process without intimidation. This is our country, and peace and tranquility belong to all of us. We must cherish it and work to uphold law and order.”
Hon. Gibba expressed confidence that the Mandinary community would not let Omar Badjie’s case fade into obscurity like others before it. He cited disturbing testimonies, including one from a local Imam, which suggested misconduct by security forces.
“I was shocked by the Imam’s testimony. If our security forces can loot money from people in Jabang, they are capable of even more heinous crimes,” he said.
He called on the youth to remain calm and focused in the pursuit of justice, not only for Omar but for all victims of reckless killings in the country.
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