By Nelson Manneh
The village of Mandinari has laid 27-year-old Omar Badjie to rest following his death in police custody leaving a community in mourning and fuelling calls for justice and accountability.
Badjie’s burial, attended by grieving relatives and neighbours, was marked by sorrow and quiet anger. His family rejected official claims that he died after falling during a police pursuit, saying eyewitnesses reported he was beaten while in handcuffs.
“We know no one can bring him back, but the family deserves justice,” a relative told the BBC. “Those responsible should face the law.”
The Gambia Police Force has said Badjie collapsed while fleeing from officers during a patrol on 26 September, targeting youths suspected of smoking cannabis. But eyewitnesses and family members insist he was already in custody when he was allegedly assaulted.
News of his death sparked protests in Mandinari, where residents blocked roads and clashed with police, while the local police station was vandalised. The government has expressed regret over the incident and promised that justice will be pursued.
A post-mortem examination has been conducted, though results are pending. Authorities have also ordered a coroner’s inquest and an internal police inquiry. Four officers involved have been summoned as part of the investigations.
Civil society groups and rights advocates have joined the family’s demand for an independent and transparent investigation.
National Assembly member Almami Gibba told mourners the case would not be forgotten. “We want peace, but peace does not mean silence,” he said. “We cannot live in a country where cases like this die without justice.”
Badjie’s father, who is unwell, could not speak to reporters but was heard quietly saying he had left everything “in the hands of Allah.” Other family members said they would wait for the outcome of the official examination before making further comments.
