By: Fatou Krubally
Gambia’s Foreign Ministry yesterday called for a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of 19-year-old national Abdoulie Bah by Spanish police in Las Palmas, Spain.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, in a press release issued on Thursday, May 22, 2025, confirmed that Mr. Bah was shot and killed on Saturday, May 17, near Gran Canaria Airport after he allegedly attacked a taxi driver with a knife.
The ministry stated that Spanish authorities reported Bah to be in a state of acute mental distress at the time of the incident and was reportedly suffering from schizophrenia.
Expressing “profound sorrow,” the ministry extended its condolences to the bereaved family and the wider Gambian community in Spain. “The Government of The Gambia deeply regrets the loss of a young life under such tragic circumstances and stands in solidarity with the grieving family,” the press release stated.
The ministry revealed that through The Gambia Embassy in Madrid, it had formally expressed grave concern to the Spanish authorities, particularly regarding what it described as “the apparent use of lethal force.” The ministry emphasized its demand for a “thorough, transparent and independent judicial investigation” into the matter.
According to the ministry, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Gambian Embassy in Madrid will be dispatched to Las Palmas to engage local authorities and community leaders on the issue. It also confirmed that the embassy was working closely with the family of the deceased to facilitate the swift repatriation of his remains for burial in accordance with islamic rites.
“The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Gambian citizens abroad and will continue to work with Spanish authorities to ensure such incidents are avoided in the future,” the statement added.
