Rights group demands resignation of Justice Minister and IGP over Bojang case

By Michaella Faith Wright

The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has called for the immediate resignation of Justice Minister Dawda A. Jallow and Inspector General of Police Seedy Muctarr Touray, accusing them of unlawful actions in the detention of Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie despite their acquittal by the High Court.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organisation described the Ministry of Justice’s ex parte motion to block the siblings’ release as “unlawful, unjustified, and ethically indefensible,” stressing that its withdrawal did not erase what it termed a clear violation of the law. EFSCRJ said it had earlier written to the president demanding their unconditional release.

The group argued that the reversal of the decision was driven by public pressure, including protests led by civil society and Gambian youths. “It is evident that this reversal was driven not by respect for the law, but by sustained public condemnation,” the statement said.

EFSCRJ also condemned the security forces’ response to demonstrators, citing the use of tear gas, excessive force, arrests, and reports of injuries and fatalities. “Citizens exercising their constitutional freedoms must be protected and not subjected to repression,” it added.

The rights centre said the actions of the Justice Minister and IGP amounted to abuse of power and a breach of constitutional duties, insisting their resignation was necessary to restore accountability and public trust.