Sandeng, a prominent member of the UDP died in state custody in 2016 under the regime of former despot Yahya Jammeh, who ruled the Gambia with an iron fist for 22 years.
Solo was arrested alongside other UDP members following his participation in a peaceful protest demanding electoral reform ahead of the 2016 election.
Solo is described as a national hero whose sacrifice helped pave the way for democratic change in The Gambia in 2016.
"Today marks 10 years of Solo's death following his unlawful arrest, detention, serious torture and death. Solo did not go out with his colleagues to promote the United Democratic Party’s agenda but they went out to promote and advance the national agenda,” Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, Leader of the UDP told the crowd.
Lawyer Darboe further stated that Solo and his colleagues, together with the UDP, were fighting for a better Gambia to ensure proper electoral reforms and democratic practices in the country.
He said Solo’s fight was for a country that respects freedom of association, freedom to protest, and the freedom to demonstrate without a permit.
“Because Solo and his colleagues believe that if you have a right to do anything you don't need any permission to exercise that right, and to fight for the rights of other fellow Gambians,” Darboe said.
Darboe said all the political parties protested against the high cost of political nomination fees of D1 million by the former regime. He said that, after a lot of protests, it was reduced to D500,000, and other fees were also reduced, which was then considered acceptable.
“The promise to the Gambian people was electoral reforms, a new constitution, a constitution that brightened the governance, a constitution that gave the ultimate power to ensure that the effective control of their government through their representative in the National Assembly was the promise given to the Gambian people,” he said.
Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, said that in the ten years since Solo Sandeng’s death, the reforms he fought for have not been implemented. Speaking at the annual commemoration, Darboe noted that in 2026 the National Assembly increased election fees — the very policy Sandeng opposed until his death.
“The registration fees for political parties have now been raised to D2 million. This denies Gambians their constitutional rights,” he stressed.
Darboe described 14 April as a date “inscribed with indelible ink in the hearts and minds of many Gambians.” He said the day signifies patriotism and sacrifice by gallant heroes, some of whom were not physically present but remained “with us in spirit.”
“These are Solo Sandeng, Nogoi Njie, and Ebrima Janko Ceesay. This is why Hon. Sulayman Saho said here that Solo still lives — because the souls of the righteous are immortal and divine,” he said.
He also commended survivors and activists including Kafu Bayo, Falang Sonko, Fatou Camara, Modou Ngum, and many others present at the event.
“A grateful nation does not forget its heroes. We celebrate them so their memories live with us forever,” Darboe said.
Aji Sibideh, leader of the UDP Youth Wing, said the commemoration of the victims of 14 and 16 April, and 9 May 2016, is not merely a procession but an act of memory, honour, and reflection.
“We remember the courage and sacrifice of Solo Sandeng and his colleagues who, on 14 April 2016, stood firmly for justice, democracy, and the fundamental rights of Gambians. Their peaceful call for electoral reform was met with brutality, and their voices were silenced most tragically. Yet their sacrifice awakened a nation,” she said.
Sibideh paid tribute to Lawyer Ousainu Darboe and senior UDP executives who, on 16 April 2016, “chose the path of courage over comfort” by protesting the unlawful arrest, torture, and murder of Solo Sandeng. They too were arrested, detained, and subjected to inhumane treatment, she noted.
“Their resilience strengthened the democratic struggle and inspired countless Gambians to stand up for what is right.”
