Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice has confirmed receipt of the Coroner’s Inquest Report into the death of Omar Badjie, who died following an encounter with law enforcement officers in Mandinari in September 2025, as pressure mounts from community youths demanding swift government action.
In a press statement issued on 5 May 2026, the Ministry said the report, transmitted from the Office of the Chief Justice, is currently under review for “appropriate action.”
As part of the process, the Attorney General’s Chambers has formally requested the Inspector General of Police to submit the complete case file to enable a thorough legal assessment.
The Ministry acknowledged widespread public concern surrounding the case, assuring that the Coroner’s recommendations, including those relating to the possible prosecution of implicated police officers, will be “rigorously reviewed.” It added that where evidence supports it, legal action will be pursued “without reservation.”
Authorities also urged the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights and dignity of all Gambians.
The statement comes amid growing frustration in Mandinari, where youth representatives have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, calling for accountability following the conclusion of the inquest.
Mandinary Youth Still Upset, Seek Action from Government and Judiciary
In a statement delivered by Ebrima John on behalf of concerned youths, the group criticized what it described as official silence since the release of the report.
“Since the release of that report, neither the Government of The Gambia nor the Gambia Police Force has made any official statement. This silence is deeply concerning,” he said.
The youths outlined four key demands to be met within seven days, including a formal apology from the leadership of the Gambia Police Force over what they allege was an earlier false account of the circumstances surrounding Badjie’s death.
“An acknowledgement is not just a formality; it is an official recognition of wrongdoing. An apology to the family and the community is essential in restoring a minimum level of trust and dignity,” the statement noted.
They also called on the government to issue a separate apology to the bereaved family and the wider Mandinari community, stressing that such a gesture is necessary to restore public confidence.
Central to their demands is the immediate prosecution of officers implicated in the inquest report. The group argued that the Coroner’s recommendations must be implemented to preserve the integrity of the process.
“The recommendation for prosecution is not optional; it is a legal obligation that must be fulfilled to ensure accountability,” the statement said.
Additionally, the youths are calling for the dismissal of all officers named in the report, warning that allowing them to remain in service undermines trust in the police institution.
“Officers implicated in such serious violations cannot remain in positions of authority while facing findings of this nature,” John added.
The group emphasized that their demands are grounded in the findings of the inquest and existing legal frameworks, warning that failure by authorities to act within the stipulated timeframe would trigger further action.
The developments set the stage for a critical test of the government’s response to calls for accountability, as both legal review processes and public expectations converge in the aftermath of the inquest.
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