By Lamin Njie
The Gambia government has said it will set up an ‘independent’ inquiry into the circumstances leading the death of a 33-year-old man.
Mass protests erupted in Serrekunda on Wednesday following the emergence of the death of Ousman Darboe, a store owner at Serrekunda Market.
A procession of mainly angry youths congregated at the Serekunda police station and Police Anti-Crime Unit in Bijilo respectively to protest Darboe’s death. He is said to have died last Friday as a result of the torture meted out to him by members of the Anti-Crime Unit of the Gambia Police Force.
The Gambia government in a statement late Wednesday said it “is fully committed to the values of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights.”
“Consistent with these norms, The Gambia Government will immediately set up an Independent Enquiry into the circumstances leading to the late Ousman Darboe’s death and if any person or persons were to be found liable, they will face the full force of the law,” the statement signed by government spokesperson Ebrima Sankareh said.
It added: “Meanwhile, The Gambia Government appeals for calm and advises citizens especially the youth, to stay home and resist the temptation to be violent.
“The public is urged to refrain from provoking the security forces and all acts of vandalism as evident in the incineration of Police Commissioner Mboob’s residence earlier today at Ebo Town.”
