By Binta Jaiteh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Gambia Police Force to conduct thorough investigations into all reported cases of unlawful killings.
The call was made as part of recommendations contained in the commission’s 2025 State of Human Rights Report.
The annual statutory report assesses human rights situation in The Gambia, covering complaints of human rights violations, alleged unlawful killings and other issues of public concern relating to security and justice.
According to the report, the commission received 11 complaints alleging violations of the right to protection against inhuman treatment and torture in 2025, compared with four cases recorded in 2024. Eight of the complaints were lodged against personnel of the Gambia Police Force, the Gambia Armed Forces and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The NHRC also raised concerns over the use of tear gas by security forces against individuals who had gathered peacefully at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court in solidarity with detained protesters. It said the incident resulted in injuries requiring the hospitalization of several people, including an activist and at least two protesters.
The commission noted that the matter remained under investigation at the end of the reporting period, adding that the allegations pointed to possible cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and raised concerns over the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.
The report urged the Ministry of Interior to ensure prompt, impartial and effective investigations into all allegations of torture and inhuman treatment by security officers, with those responsible held accountable in accordance with the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, 2023.
It also recommended that the Ministry of Interior strengthen the operational capacity of the Gambia Police Force by providing adequate forensic equipment and qualified personnel to improve investigations into unlawful killings and enhance accountability.
The NHRC further called on the Ministry of Justice to work with the National Assembly to amend Section 18(1) of the 1997 Constitution to abolish the death penalty as a form of punishment that may be imposed by the courts.
The commission called for sustained government commitment and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address the human rights challenges identified in the report. It expressed hope that its findings would support civil society organisations and other stakeholders in advocating legal, policy and institutional reforms to strengthen the protection of human rights in The Gambia.