Gambia Bar Association condemns re-arrest of Bojang siblings

By Alieu Jallow

The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) has sharply criticised the State’s decision to re-arrest Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie shortly after their acquittal, warning it poses a serious threat to the rule of law.

In a statement, the Bar said it was “alarmed and dismayed by the decision of the State to re-arrest and detain Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang after their acquittal and discharge of all criminal charges… and subsequent grant of bail by the High Court of The Gambia on Monday, 30th March 2026.”

The Association noted the siblings were released from Mile II Prison on 31 March under a valid court order but were then forcefully taken away by armed officers in riot gear. “Even more serious is the fact that they were subsequently returned to and admitted into Mile II Prison without any order of the Court. This ill-advised action… constitutes disregard and disobedience of the authority of the Court and a violation of the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Ousainou and Amie Bojang,” the statement said.

The Bar likened the incident to practices under former President Yahya Jammeh, describing it as “a stark reminder of the Jammeh-era practice of re-arresting individuals acquitted by competent courts.” It warned such actions risk undermining human rights and eroding democratic progress.

While noting the siblings have since been released, the GBA cautioned the State to act strictly within the law. It urged Attorney General Dawda A. Jallow to ensure no one is imprisoned without a court order, and called for accountability from Inspector General of Police Seedy Muctarr Touray.

The Association said the episode underscored the urgent need for reforms in the justice and security sectors. “The actions of the police serve as an urgent reminder and a further call to action to ensure that security and justice sector reforms are prioritised,” it added.