By Haddy Touray
Three opposition parties in The Gambia have condemned the alleged use of excessive force by officers of the Gambia Immigration Department against National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Kebba Madi Bojang and called for a transparent investigation into the incident.
In separate statements issued on Tuesday, the United Democratic Party (UDP), the UNITE Movement for Change (UMC) and APP-Sobeyaa expressed concern over video footage circulating on social media that appears to show immigration officers physically restraining Bojang during an operation in Old Yundum.
The UDP condemned what it described as the apparent excessive use of force while stressing that it did not intend to prejudice any ongoing investigation or undermine the lawful authority of security services to carry out arrests within their constitutional mandate.
The party said security agencies must exercise their powers in accordance with the law and with full respect for the fundamental rights, dignity and due process guarantees of all individuals.
Referring to comments made by Bojang following the incident, the UDP noted that the NDP leader had alleged that the operation was politically motivated. It says whether or not that claim is substantiated, the incident highlighted the need for state security institutions to act in a transparent, lawful and impartial manner.
The UDP also urged the government and the leadership of the security services to strengthen training for personnel, particularly those expected to be deployed during the 2026 presidential election campaign, with emphasis on human rights, the proportional use of force, crowd management, political neutrality, de-escalation and adherence to the rule of law.
It reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance, peaceful political participation and the protection of constitutional rights.
In a statement, the UMC described the scenes captured in the widely circulated video as disturbing and said the level of force used against a recognized political leader was unacceptable in a democratic society.
The party said the incident raised serious questions about the conduct of security personnel toward citizens and opposition political figures.
The UMC expressed solidarity with Bojang and the NDP, calling for a full and transparent account of the events and stressing that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, were entitled to protection under the law against excessive force.
It also called on the relevant authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that law enforcement and immigration personnel act professionally and within the law, particularly as the country prepared for the 5 December 2026 presidential election.
APP-Sobeyaa also condemned the alleged manhandling of the NDP leader, stating that if the allegations were confirmed, such conduct would warrant unequivocal condemnation.
The party said political competition should never be used to justify intimidation, harassment or the misuse of state institutions against political opponents, adding that security agencies exist to protect the rights and freedoms of all persons within the country.
Recalling the findings of The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations process, APP-Sobeyaa said the country had committed itself to ensuring that abuses of state power are not repeated and urged public institutions to uphold the “Never Again” principle.
The party also reminded all citizens and non-citizens of their obligation to obey the country’s laws, while stressing that law enforcement authorities must exercise their powers professionally, proportionately and strictly within the limits of the Constitution.
APP-Sobeyaa called on the government of President Adama Barrow to ensure a transparent and accountable handling of the matter, including an independent investigation where credible evidence of misconduct exists and appropriate action against any officers found to have acted unlawfully.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional governance, democratic freedoms and equal protection before the law, warning that safeguarding The Gambia’s democratic gains requires vigilance against any recurrence of abuses of state power.
The Gambia Immigration Department had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
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