By Haddy Touray
A rights group has called for an urgent and independent investigation into allegations of torture made by Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang.
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) says there is a need for impartial investigation into allegations of abuse of power and inhumane prison conditions made by the Bojang sibling.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the rights group said it had formally written to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), with copies sent to the Inspector General of Police, the Minister of Interior, the Director General of the Gambia Prison Service, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
The request follows allegations made by the Bojang sibling during an exclusive interview with Kerr Fatou Media on 25 June 2026. The allegations include claims of torture, cruel and degrading treatment, abuse of power, manipulation of evidence, and poor prison conditions during their arrest, detention and incarceration.
EFSCRJ describes the allegations as serious, saying they raise concerns not only about the rights of the two individuals but also about the integrity, professionalism and accountability of the country’s law enforcement and correctional institutions.
The organization warned that failure to investigate the allegations could undermine public confidence in the justice system and weaken democratic values.
It noted that the Constitution of The Gambia, the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, 2023, and the country’s obligations under regional and international human rights treaties prohibit torture and all forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. According to the organization, these legal frameworks require that all credible allegations of torture or abuse by state officials be investigated promptly, independently and impartially.
EFSCRJ further said the allegations raised broader concerns about prison conditions and the effectiveness of the Security Sector Reform and Transitional Justice program implemented since 2017 under the national commitment of “Never Again.”
The rights group urged the NHRC to investigate the torture and abuse allegations, examine the conduct of the officers identified by Ousainou Bojang, assess the prison conditions described by both sibling, determine whether the incidents point to wider institutional failures, and make its findings and recommendations public.
It also called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Gambia Prison Service, the Minister of Interior and the Attorney General to fully cooperate with the NHRC by providing access to relevant personnel, records, facilities and evidence needed for a credible investigation.
EFSCRJ maintains that justice extends beyond an acquittal, arguing that it also requires accountability for wrongdoing by public officials, effective remedies for victims and institutional reforms to prevent future abuses.
The organization further renewed its call for adequate compensation for Ousainou and Amie Bojang, citing what it described as their wrongful arrest, prolonged detention and the physical, psychological and emotional suffering they allegedly endured for more than two years.
It concluded by saying that the national commitment to “Never Again” should be measured by the willingness of state institutions to investigate allegations of abuse, hold perpetrators accountable and uphold the rights and dignity of every individual.
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