By Omar Wally
Journalist Mamour Mbange, a former investigative reporter with Foroyaa Newspaper, is seeking assistance to undergo medical treatment.
Mbenga who is now a student at Gambia Press Union, School of Journalism said he was mishandled by security personnel while covering April 14 and 16 protest in 2016.
“I was manhandled by some security personnel, at Westfield while covering late Solo Sandeng’s protest; I was beaten with batons for taking pictures of the protest.” He was then admitted at Serekunda Hospital and discharged the following on the April 15, 2016.
“And on April 16, 2016, I went to cover another demonstration organized by UDP Secretary General Ousainou Darbo, and on that day, I was assaulted by some security personnel while corresponding for RFM Radio in Senegal.”
In that protest he said his leg and arm were broken, adding that the security personnel used rifles to hit him. “An insider informed me that the defunct NIA were looking for me, because I had an interview with Solo and they want to know what he (Solo) told me during the interview.”
He later went into hiding for a week and while trying to leave the country, he was arrested at the border and taken to the NIA office.
“I was taken to the interrogation room where I was questioned. When I refused to give answers to some of the questions they asked me, I was beaten and later released.”
Mbenga: My leg and arm are treated now. The problem I have is body pain and at times, I get unconscious and bleed he said.
“I’m appealing to the general public to help me with funds so that I can undergo medical treatment.” Anyone willing to assist can contact him, on +220 244 2423.
