“We write with deep sorrow and concern,” the petition begins, “regarding the death of Mr Omar Badjie following his encounter with officers of the Gambia Police Force in Mandinary.” The youth emphasised their commitment to peaceful and lawful engagement, while urging the government to act swiftly to uphold the rule of law and restore community trust.
The petition outlines four primary demands: Immediate suspension of all officers involved in Mr Badjie’s arrest, custody, transport, or supervision, pending investigation; establishment of an impartial investigation panel, including NHRC representatives and independent forensic and legal experts, with guarantees for witness protection and public disclosure of findings; prompt prosecution of any officer found criminally responsible, in accordance with Gambian law and due process, and public update within seven days, detailing officer suspensions, the panel’s terms of reference, and a timeline for formal charges where warranted.
The youth also proposed several community safeguards, including: An independent autopsy report shared with the family and NHRC, Ministry-led community–police dialogue to rebuild trust and reinforce standards on the use of force and custody, and a secure hotline or focal point for witnesses to submit evidence.
The petition was signed by Ebrima John on behalf of the youth of Mandinary village. It concludes with a reaffirmation of national values: “This petition is grounded in our shared national values of justice, dignity, and accountability, and in The Gambia’s constitutional and human-rights obligations.”
