Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Gambian government to launch an urgent and independent investigation into the death of Omar Badjie, who died on 26 September during a police operation in Mandinary, West Coast Region.

According to a flash report from the Gambia Police Force, Badjie “fell during hot pursuit and was taken to the hospital and confirmed dead.”

However, some residents interviewed by online media alleged that he was beaten by police officers during his arrest. His death sparked violent disturbances in Mandinary, leading to clashes between youths and police and the deployment of the Police Intervention Unit.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the NHRC expressed its condolences to Badjie’s family and urged the authorities to respect the family’s right to timely and accurate information on the circumstances of his death.

It called on the police to immediately establish a task force to investigate the incident thoroughly and impartially, with independent oversight and public disclosure of the findings. The Commission also stressed that all witnesses must be protected from intimidation or harassment.

The NHRC reminded the government of The Gambia’s obligations under international human rights treaties and the 2023 Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, which explicitly prohibits torture and degrading treatment.

It expressed deep concern about recurring incidents of arbitrary police conduct, including the indiscriminate use of tear gas, and urged the acceleration of security sector reforms.

These reforms, it noted, should include training police officers in human rights, crowd management, and non-lethal methods of policing.

While acknowledging the police’s duty to maintain law and order, the Commission underscored that this responsibility must be exercised strictly in line with the Constitution, the rule of law, and due process.