Africa-Press – Gambia. Gambians on Tuesday marched through parts of the capital to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of activist Ebrima Solo Sandeng, calling for justice, accountability, and reparations for victims of past human rights violations.
The procession, led by supporters and members of the United Democratic Party (UDP), followed designated routes as participants carried banners and chanted slogans in honour of Sandeng, who died in state custody in 2016 after his arrest during a protest calling for electoral reforms under former President Yahya Jammeh.
Many participants described Sandeng as a national hero whose actions contributed to The Gambia’s democratic transition later that year.
Addressing the gathering, UDP leader Ousainou Darboe paid tribute to journalists covering the event and reflected on the events of April 2016, describing Sandeng’s death as a reminder of the country’s struggle for democracy.
Darboe said Sandeng and other activists had called for electoral reform and a fair political system aimed at strengthening democratic participation and fundamental rights. He said that although political change has since taken place, efforts toward constitutional reform, electoral transparency, and institutional strengthening are ongoing.
He also referred to the arrest and detention of opposition figures in April and May 2016, saying the events reflected the level of repression at the time, and urged continued reflection on justice and accountability.
The commemoration was also addressed by Aji Sidibeh, Second Deputy President of the Female Youth Wing of the UDP, who described the event as both remembrance and reflection. She paid tribute to Sandeng and other activists, calling them defenders of justice, democracy, and human rights.
She urged young people, particularly women in leadership, to uphold democratic values and ensure that human rights violations are not repeated.
UDP Chairman Yankuba Darboe described April 14, 2016, as a defining moment in the country’s political history marked by courage and sacrifice, adding that Sandeng’s legacy continues to inspire democratic progress.
He called for unity in protecting freedoms and ensuring that the ideals for which Sandeng and others died are fully realized.
The march ended with renewed calls for justice, democratic reforms, and recognition of victims of past abuses, as Gambians marked a decade since a key political turning point.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
