Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has extended his “sincere condolences” to the family of Omar Badjie, the young man whose death in police custody sparked protests and unrest in Mandinary and Lamin over the weekend, urging Gambians to reject violence and protect the nation’s hard-won peace and stability.
In a televised address to the nation, President Barrow said the loss of Badjie’s life was a tragedy for the entire country.
“Every life lost is a loss for our entire nation, and each injury is a reminder of the preciousness of peace,” he stated, pledging “prayers and state support” to the deceased’s family and to all those affected. He also wished a swift recovery to the injured, including members of the security services.
The president acknowledged the right of Gambians to protest peacefully, calling it a cornerstone of the country’s democracy that his government respects and protects.
However, he warned that violence, destruction of property, and threats to public safety “undermine the very freedoms we seek to protect and will be addressed firmly by law.”
Barrow specifically cautioned against what he described as “a small minority” of individuals attempting to exploit national tragedies for political or personal gain. “Let us not allow our unity or progress to be drained by those who pursue division or seek to incite unrest,” he said.
“The government remains vigilant in protecting all lawful rights, and those who resort to violence or incite it will be held accountable in accordance with due process and respect for human rights.”
Appealing to the country’s youth—whom he called “the heart and hope of this country”—the president stressed that his administration was listening to their concerns and aspirations. “Your voices matter. Ours is a government open to dialogue,” Barrow said, urging young people to use established institutions and youth platforms to resolve grievances “peacefully and constructively.”
The president also addressed the country’s security forces, calling on them to act with professionalism, restraint, and respect for citizens’ rights. “Uphold our constitution, act with wisdom, and protect public order in a manner worthy of the confidence Gambians have placed in you,” he urged.
Barrow concluded his speech with a call for unity and shared responsibility in safeguarding The Gambia’s stability and development. “Our robust democratic institutions—the National Assembly, courts, and civil society—provide the channels for every grievance to be addressed. Let us use them and reject any path that leads to disorder and harm,” he said.
“Only together, through peaceful engagement and shared responsibility, will we rebuild the Gambia of our dreams,” he added, invoking divine blessings for the nation’s progress.
