By Haddy Touray
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over alleged violations of the rights of detainees arrested during the commemoration of the first anniversary of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA).
The concern was raised following a fact-finding and monitoring mission conducted at Kairaba and Kotu Police stations on 9 May 2026.
In an open letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the NHRC said its investigators visited the police stations after several GALA members were arrested at the Youth Monument in Westfield.
The commission said the mission was carried out in line with its mandate to monitor, investigate and report on the promotion and protection of human rights in The Gambia, including the rights of persons deprived of their liberty.
According to the NHRC, investigators interviewed detainees, inspected detention conditions and engaged police officers on duty at both stations.
The commission said its findings raised serious concerns regarding compliance with constitutional safeguards and internationally accepted human rights standards relating to arrest, detention, bail and the treatment of detainees.
It noted allegations that several detainees were arrested without being promptly informed of the reasons for their arrest, contrary to Section 19 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.
The NHRC also said some detainees alleged they were denied timely access to legal counsel, communication with family members and information relating to bail procedures.
According to the commission, detainees informed investigators that their mobile phones had been confiscated and that they were initially prevented from contacting lawyers and relatives.
“If true, such restrictions would undermine fundamental due process guarantees and the right to legal representation,” the NHRC stated.
The Commission further expressed concern over detention conditions at the two police stations, describing them as falling below acceptable human rights standards.
It cited overcrowding, poor ventilation, inadequate lighting and sanitation facilities, insufficient bedding, unhygienic conditions, and the presence of bedbugs and cockroaches.
The NHRC also raised concern over the absence of gender-sensitive detention arrangements for female detainees and allegations that one detainee had been placed in solitary confinement without explanation or clear justification.
The commission said the conditions were inconsistent with the requirement for dignified and humane treatment of detainees.
The NHRC further observed uncertainty among police officers regarding the facilitation of police bail, despite the offences reportedly being bailable.
It warned that the prolonged detention of some detainees without clear justification raised concerns about compliance with constitutional safeguards relating to liberty and pre-trial detention.
While acknowledging the responsibility of the Gambia Police Force to maintain public order and enforce the law, the NHRC stressed that all law enforcement operations must comply with the Constitution, domestic law, due process, the rule of law and The Gambia’s regional and international human rights obligations.
The Commission called on the Office of the Inspector General of Police to ensure that arrests are conducted in accordance with constitutional and legal safeguards, guarantee detainees immediate access to legal counsel and family members, facilitate police bail in accordance with the law, and improve detention conditions at Kairaba and Kotu police stations.
It also urged the police authorities to ensure that officers are reminded of their constitutional obligations and held accountable for respecting human rights standards relating to arrest, detention and the treatment of persons in custody.
The NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and cooperation with the Gambia Police Force in promoting respect for human rights and the rule of law in law enforcement practices.
