Silence No More: Growing Outrage Over Gender-Based Violence and Justice Failures in Gambia

OPINION

By Fatima Sillah, The Tisa Foundation

Across cultures, women are often described as deserving dignity and respect. Yet in The Gambia, many continue to face harassment, exploitation, victim‑blaming, and what critics say are repeated institutional failures.

Advocates are calling for urgent reforms as several controversial cases fuel national debate over gender‑based violence, the protection of minors and the fairness of the justice system.

Businesswoman Harassment Concerns

Gambian entrepreneur Haddijatou Mbowe, owner of the Lava club, has reportedly faced persistent intimidation and public insults. Supporters argue her experience reflects wider discrimination against women in male‑dominated industries. Concerns have also been raised about her son, known publicly as Jack, after a video involving him circulated online while he was still a minor. Observers say the incident highlights broader failures to protect children from exploitation and online abuse.

Anger Over Basse Rape Sentence

Public frustration has grown following the case of a 13‑year‑old girl from Basse who was raped and severely abused. The perpetrator, Alagie Faye, received a two‑year prison term and a fine of D50,000. Many Gambians believe the punishment does not reflect the gravity of the crime and see it as an example of injustice within the system.

Viral Abuse Case Sparks Debate

Another case involves Abdoulie Bojang, also known as Paul Bojang, a Gambian‑British national accused of sexual activity with a minor and of distributing an explicit video. He was reportedly charged only for distributing the video, not for rape. After serving several months in prison and paying a fine of about one million dalasis, his release was celebrated online by an influencer — a move condemned by activists who say it trivialises the seriousness of the allegations.

Calls for Fairness in Kexx Sanneh Case

Attention has also turned to activist Kexx Sanneh. He was arrested by police and released on bail without charge, and the matter has been referred to the children’s court since the complainant is a minor. He has not yet been charged or appeared before the courts. Advocates stress the importance of due process and warn against allowing public opinion or political affiliations to influence justice. Some have also raised concerns about alleged attempts by individuals to intervene improperly in the matter.

Victim‑Blaming Culture

Commentary from certain public figures has been criticised for dismissing allegations and shaming victims. Observers say such attitudes discourage survivors from speaking out and perpetuate cycles of silence and injustice.

Call for Accountability

Campaigners insist that no one should be above the law and that justice must prevail regardless of status or influence. They argue that breaking the culture of silence is essential to protecting women and girls, and that nationwide education on gender‑based violence and sex education is urgently needed.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Fatu Network’s editorial stance.