Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A routine checkpoint operation by the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) in the early hours of Monday, August 26, 2024, has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts of what transpired during a shooting incident. The GAF’s official statement and an eyewitness report provide differing narratives, raising questions about the exact sequence of events.

According to a press release from the GAF, the incident occurred around 2:30 AM when a vehicle driven by Issak Sambou approached a Vehicular Check Point (VCP) near the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo at high speed. The GAF reported that the vehicle knocked down cones placed a few meters before the checkpoint, and the driver ignored signals to stop, nearly running over a soldier.

To neutralize the perceived threat, a soldier fired at the vehicle’s tires, leading to a pursuit and the eventual arrest of the driver. The GAF stated that a ricocheting bullet injured one of the vehicle’s occupants, Stanislav Gomez, who was provided with first aid before being transported to Ndemban Clinic in Bakau.

The GAF also noted that preliminary investigations indicated the driver and the passengers were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The military highlighted the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic rules, emphasizing that the incident underscores the need for strict enforcement at checkpoints.

However, a witness to the event provided a different version of the incident in a statement shared with UK-based Gambian lawyer Melville Robertson Roberts. The witness claimed that the military’s account was inaccurate, asserting that there was no chase or arrest as described by the GAF. According to the witness, the incident occurred near 2Rays restaurant in Kerr Serign, not at the location specified by the military. The witness stated that the vehicle was not speeding and had stopped near the checkpoint cones, which were reportedly unmarked and difficult to see in the rain.

The witness alleged that the soldier fired at the vehicle after it had already come to a stop and then cocked the gun again in a threatening manner, while hurling insults. The witness further claimed that no immediate medical assistance was provided by the military, and that the injured passenger was taken to the hospital only after the occupants insisted on using an ambulance instead of their vehicle. They also stated that the military personnel only arrived at the hospital later with the Military Police, contradicting the GAF’s statement about providing prompt medical attention.

The witness disputed the GAF’s claim of alcohol influence, noting that the driver was a manager at a company at the airport and was on his way home after dropping off friends. The witness also mentioned that despite agreeing to a medical examination to determine sobriety, the military did not follow through.

As both accounts differ significantly, the incident has raised concerns about transparency and accountability. The Gambia Armed Forces have yet to release further evidence, such as footage or additional statements, to clarify the situation. The public awaits a more detailed investigation to determine the true events of that night.