Africa-Press – Gambia. Sulayman Saho the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Central Baddibu has said the ideals for which activist Solo Sandeng died remains unfulfilled, as Gambians mark the 10th anniversary of his death.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Saho said the commemoration should serve as a moment of national reflection on the events surrounding Sandeng’s 2016 protest for electoral reform.
He said Sandeng took part in demonstrations calling for a level political playing field, adding that the reforms demanded at the time are still not fully realized.
“Solo came out for electoral reform to ensure a level playing field, but those reforms are not yet a reality,” Saho said, describing Sandeng’s death as a violation of his fundamental rights.
Saho noted that although The Gambia has undergone political transition since 2016, progress on key legislative and institutional reforms has been slow.
He cited proposed amendments to the Public Order Act, saying the reforms were intended to provide a lawful framework for citizens to express their views while maintaining public order.
According to him, the proposed changes were designed to include wider participation from women, youth, and vulnerable groups, but were not adopted.
He also expressed concern over what he described as interference in state institutions, warning that such trends could weaken democratic governance and public trust.
With the country heading towards an election, Saho urged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, including voter registration and protecting their ballots.
He said the anniversary should not only focus on remembrance but also on addressing the “unfinished business” linked to Sandeng’s activism.
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