Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Nyang-Sanneh Institute (NSI) for Social Research and Justice, together with partner civil society organizations, has launched a petition demanding justice and accountability in the wake of the suspicious death of Omar Badjie, a young man allegedly brutalized by police officers in Mandinary, Kombo North.

The petition, dated 30th September 2025, is addressed to the Government of The Gambia, ECOWAS, the African Union, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, international human rights bodies, and the United Nations Security Council.

Among the eminent initial signatories are Kadijatou Jallow, Sainey Faye, Jainaba Nyang, Counsel Imran Darboe, Distinguished Professor Abdoulaye Saine, John Jaliba Mbackeh, and Alieu Saine.

The petitioners argue that Badjie’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a wider pattern of unlawful killings, torture, and abuses by security forces in The Gambia, which they say continue with impunity.

They denounce what they describe as a “systemic failure” of the state to protect its citizens and honor constitutional and international obligations.

The groups are demanding an immediate and independent investigation into the death of Omar Badjie, the suspension and prosecution of implicated officers, reparations for his family and other victims of police brutality, comprehensive police and security sector reforms, the establishment of an independent civilian oversight body, and regional and international monitoring of security practices in The Gambia.

In a cover letter accompanying the petition, NSI called on citizens and the international community to subscribe in solidarity, stressing that “impunity must not be tolerated” and that reforms are urgent to protect civilian lives.

The petitioners insist that unless bold reforms are implemented, incidents of brutality will continue to erode public trust in the state and undermine democratic governance.

In a statement issued on Thursday, The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has confirmed the suspension and detention of four officers linked to the death of Omar Badjie, who died after a police pursuit last week in Mandinary.

The incriminated police officers identified by the local media as 1st Class Constable 8625 Sulayman Jarju of Jamburr, Police Constable 9245 Mamadi Jallow of Kubariko, Police Constable 9440 Ebrima Touray of Lamin, and Police Constable 10000 Fa Sainey Cham of Banjulinding were arrested on 28 September and remain in custody as the State prepares to launch an independent coroner’s inquest.

“The Gambia Police Force reaffirms its commitment to a transparent and impartial investigation and assures the public that justice will be diligently pursued. Anyone found wanting will face the full force of the law,” the statement read.