The release of the coroner’s report into the death of Omar Badjie marks an important moment for accountability in The Gambia. After months of uncertainty surrounding the events of 26 September 2025 in Mandinari, the findings now present a clear and troubling conclusion: Omar Badjie died as a result of acute brain injury linked to physical exertion, stress, and, critically, assault by police officers during their pursuit.
This is not merely a procedural outcome—it is a test of the country’s commitment to justice.
The inquest, conducted by Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy, appears to have been thorough and methodical, drawing on witness testimonies, medical evidence, and direct examination of the scene. The Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, has affirmed confidence in both the findings and the process, describing them as legally sound and properly conducted.
But acknowledgement is only the first step. The real question now is whether action will follow.
By referring the matter to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the judiciary has fulfilled its role in the chain of accountability. The responsibility now shifts to prosecutorial authorities to determine whether criminal charges should be brought against those implicated. This decision must be guided solely by the evidence and the law—not by institutional loyalties or public pressure.
Cases involving alleged police misconduct are always sensitive. They test the balance between maintaining public order and upholding individual rights. However, when state agents are implicated in a death, the stakes are even higher. Public trust in law enforcement—and in the justice system as a whole—depends on the perception and reality of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The Gambian public will be watching closely. Failure to act decisively risks reinforcing long-standing concerns about impunity. Conversely, a credible and transparent prosecutorial process would signal a maturing justice system willing to confront difficult truths.
The Office of the Chief Justice has called for cooperation in implementing the report’s recommendations. That call should extend beyond institutions to the broader public discourse. Civil society, the media, and citizens all have a role in ensuring that this case does not fade into silence.
Justice, in this instance, must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.
