By: Fatou Krubally
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has released its September report, raising concerns over eight human rights incidents and developments recorded during the reporting period.
The concerns revolved around the deaths of four military recruits, electricity protests, newborn abandonment cases and alleged excessive use of force by police.
In the human rights monitoring report, the centre called for credible investigations, stronger child protection measures and greater accountability from public institutions, stressing that several incidents remained unresolved at the time of compilation.
The report, which draws on media monitoring, public institutional information and the Gambia Police Force’s Facebook page, cautioned that the recorded incidents were not necessarily established human rights violations and that allegations should not be treated as proven facts.
Among the incidents highlighted were the reported deaths of four military recruits, identified as Mamudou Nyabally, Saja Darboe, Lamin Koita and Tamsir Bah. The report said competing accounts attributed their deaths to food poisoning or training conditions, but neither explanation had been established. It added that the Gambia Armed Forces had reportedly announced an investigation.
The centre also raised concerns over electricity protests in the Greater Banjul Area, where residents reportedly demonstrated against prolonged power interruptions affecting households, businesses and essential services. According to the report, Police Intervention Unit officers used tear gas in Latrikunda, Brufut and Serrekunda, while arrests were also reported.
EFSCRJ said the circumstances surrounding the use of force required examination to determine whether police action was necessary and proportionate.
Two separate newborn cases in Brikama and Foni Jifanga also featured in the report. In the Brikama incident, recorded on September 3, the baby’s whereabouts and condition were not established. In Foni Jifanga, a newborn was reportedly rescued from a pit latrine on September 21. The report said the child’s subsequent condition was unknown.
The centre urged police, health workers and child protection authorities to establish the children’s condition, provide appropriate care and ensure confidential support for the mothers.
Other incidents included the reported killing of Lamin Mboge in Kololi, an alleged robbery and unlawful confinement involving a make-up artist in Brusubi, and the reported deaths of three people during a migration journey involving a boat intercepted in Mauritania.
The report also criticized political rhetoric attributed to Minister for Local Government and Lands Hamat Bah at a rally in Farafenni, warning that statements invoking ethnic origin could undermine equal citizenship and social cohesion.
EFSCRJ called on the government, police, military authorities and other relevant institutions to investigate the incidents, inform affected families and take corrective action where necessary.
The centre said September’s record underscored the need for effective investigations, protection of vulnerable people and respect for fundamental rights, while ensuring that suspects retain their right to due process.