Alagi Yorro Jallow I know Ousainou Darboe. I like lawyer Darboe. I don’t want to seem like a sycophant, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I admired him. I disagreed with much of what he said, sure, but I recognized he is a giant for justice and down-to earth human inspiration. I’m touched and inspired by his latest statement “ I’m ready to go the streets to demand justice for my children”, he added “ If they want to shoot, let the first bullet land on me” Here is a man I trust more than I trust…
Author: Gainako
STATEMENT BY THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA ON THE ALLEGATIONS OF TORTURE AND ILL-TREATMENT FOLLOWING THE PROTESTS OF 14TH AND 16TH APRIL, 2016 IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) is concerned about reports in the media that, following the protests of 14 April, 2016 and 16 April, 2016, in the Republic of The Gambia, several individuals who took part in a peaceful demonstration in Banjul have been arbitrarily arrested and detained, and that several of these individuals were reportedly tortured and subjected to cruel or degrading…
The arrest and detention of the leader of the United Democratic Party Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and several executive members and party militants of the UDP is unlawful and violates their Human and Constitutional rights. The reported death of Ebrima Solo Sandeng newly elected UDP National Party mobilizer is despicable and is a crime against humanity. Mr. Sandeng reportedly was arrested on Thursday with over a dozen UDP militants including several women. The alleged report that one Fatoumata Jawara and Nogoi Njie; two women protesters have also been beaten by security forces into coma is the worst crime the Jammeh regime…
By: Ousainou Mbenga The twenty years of dread, horror and blood flow by the AFPRC – APRC regime is coming to a grinding halt sooner than most of us expect. The reactionary response of Jammeh’s running dogs (National Intelligence Agency – NIA, Junglers and mercenaries) is standard operating procedure of all dying but not yet dead regimes. But it is also inspiring to know that esteemed soldiers of the Gambia National Army have vowed never to stain their hands with the blood of their fellow Gambians to allow Jammeh his fifth term in power. This is the time to turn the…
The suspicious death in custody of opposition political leader Solo Sandeng and the arrest of his party leader, Ousainu Darboe, and other party members in recent days underscore the repressive nature of the Gambia’s government, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and ARTICLE 19 said today. The groups said the government of President Yahya Jammeh should ensure an independent and impartial investigation into Sandeng’s death, immediately release all peaceful protesters and free Alhagie Ceesay, a journalist arbitrarily detained since July 2015 and currently gravely ill in hospital. “Sandeng’s senseless death in custody appears to be the latest in a long line…
By Mathew K Jallow Last week, Gambia suddenly burst out into the international limelight as the newest flashpoint of spectacular political failure, and civil unrest; the culmination of two decades of festering political discontent and strident opposition to a regime deeply entrenched in assassinations and economic plunder. The week began with the fearless march by youth of the main opposition, UDP, echoing the majority’s silent cries for electoral reforms; a demand that the combined opposition made late in 2015. It took nerves of steel to challenge the fiercely repressive regime; a regime invested in brutal oppression as a way to…
I am in excruciating distress and pain at what is happening to our people in the Gambia. A country that is so closely knit that we call it One Big Family. Gambia no problem. Why then should so much pain and fear engulf our lives? Why do we inflict so much harm and pain on each other? Why should our State be a source of pain and hatred and not an inspiration and patriotism for our people? I am angry. I am sad. I am in pain. I demand the immediate and unconditional release of Ousainou Darboe and his colleagues…
Brussels, 17/04/2016 160417_02_en STATEMENT Statement by the Spokesperson on recent violence in The Gambia Recent peaceful protests have led to a disproportionate reaction by the Gambian security forces. The EU is particularly concerned about the fate of Mr. Solo Sandeng and other opposition politicians who took part in the protest, as well as on reports on ill-treatment of persons taken into custody. Gambia has taken on commitments under international conventions and the Cotonou agreement. The EU expects the universal rights of free expression, of peaceful protest and of physical integrity to be respected. We expect that a thorough investigation, establishing the precise facts and…
To many of you, he is the leader of the United Democratic Party. To me, he is a father, a great dad for that matter. He is also a dedicated husband, uncle, brother, cousin and grandfather to other members of my family. He is Papa Ousainu Numukunda Darboe, the guy you all affectionately call Lawyer Darboe. I remember, in the summer of 1996 while he was in US in his capacity as vice president of the Gambia National Olympics and Sports Committee, attending the summer Olympics in Atlanta, he called a family meeting to discuss with us about running for…
Press Statement John Kirby Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC April 17, 2016 ________________________________________________________________________________ The United States condemns the Government of The Gambia’s severe response to recent peaceful protests. We call for an immediate end to violence and urge all Gambians to exercise restraint and remain calm. The United States calls on the Government of The Gambia to uphold its international obligations under the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including the right to peaceful assembly. The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from…