Africa-Press – Gambia. The United Democratic Party on Tuesday convened the Solo Sandeng Memorial Symposium Lecture 2026 in remembrance of the late Ebrima Solo Sandeng, drawing senior party officials, human rights advocates, members of his family, and other dignitaries.
The annual lecture served as both a commemoration and a reflection on The Gambia’s democratic journey since the events surrounding the April 14 protest, which has become a symbolic moment in the country’s recent political history.
Delivering the keynote address, human rights activist Madi Jobarteh, executive director of the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice, said Gambians must continue to reflect on the significance of the April protests that led to Mr. Sandeng’s arrest and subsequent death in custody.
He said the events helped break the climate of fear that had long constrained civic expression, but questioned whether the objectives of the movement had been fully achieved.
“Let us ask ourselves, have we paid the price of Solo Sandeng’s sacrifice? Have we achieved the objectives of April 14?” he said, adding that the question applied not only to government but also to political actors, including the UDP.
The party leader and secretary general of the UDP, Ousainu Darboe, used his remarks to call for comprehensive electoral reforms, arguing that the country’s democratic consolidation depends on strengthening electoral processes.
“I believe that all parties in this country do believe that there is a need for electoral reforms,” he said. “We cannot go on blaming Yahya Jammeh for the issues of this country; he has left now, and the responsibility is with the current government and ourselves.”
Speaking at the same event, Touma Njie, National Assembly Member for Banjul South, said Mr. Sandeng’s legacy should serve as a reminder for Gambians to remain vigilant in defending democratic gains and strengthening national institutions.
“We must therefore never forget the past and must use it as a lesson. In unity and remembrance, I stand with every victim,” she said.
Muhammed Sandeng, son of the late activist, reflected on the significance of his father’s legacy and expressed concern about the country’s direction, particularly among young people.
“Today, and ten years down the line, the reflection is really on the young people,” he said. “What do we really want as young people of this country? We want change where The Gambia is dignified and not put in a position where it has to sell its dignity.”
Another speaker, Fa Lang Sonko, recalled his time in detention alongside Mr. Sandeng, describing alleged torture and mistreatment during their period in state custody.
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