Death of 27-year-old Omar Badjie sparks protests and calls for justice in Gambia
The death of 27-year-old Omar Badjie in Mandinaring has triggered nationwide outrage, with conflicting accounts deepening public mistrust of the authorities. Police said Badjie collapsed while fleeing a patrol. However, eyewitnesses allege he was beaten while in handcuffs. His family has rejected the official explanation, demanding accountability. The Gambia Police Force has issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging an investigation.
The Gambia auditor flags unreported funds in Mega Bank sale
The Auditor General’s 2023 financial report has revealed discrepancies in the sale of Mega Bank, noting that while the bank was sold for D921.2 million, only D896.8 million was recorded in government financial statements, leaving D24.4 million unreported. Of this amount, D23 million was disbursed by the Central Bank directly to Guarantee Trust Bank accounts without passing through the Consolidated Fund or Treasury Main Account. The sale of Mega Bank to KM Holdings for US$15.25 million in December 2024 drew widespread criticism, with lawmakers and civil society raising concerns over transparency.
Audit reveals $520,000 in undocumented spending by presidency
The 2023 Audit Report on The Gambia’s government accounts has found that the Office of the President disbursed over $520,000 to suppliers without the required procurement documents. This included a $14,000 business-class ticket for First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow’s travel to New York. The report also noted that in November 2023, the presidency extended a soft loan of $520,000 to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Secretariat to cover staff salaries.
Audit finds $10.2 million discrepancy in government accounts
The National Audit Office has reported discrepancies of more than $10.2 million in The Gambia’s 2022 government financial statements. According to the audit, closing balances from 2021 were not accurately carried forward as opening balances in 2022, resulting in variances totalling $10.2 million across several government accounts.
Autopsy conducted on Omar Badjie amid disputed accounts of his death
A post-mortem examination has been carried out at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital on the body of Omar Badjie, whose death has drawn conflicting accounts from his family, eyewitnesses, and the police. The examination was conducted by Dr. Leigh in the presence of Dr. Daffeh, representing the family, and the family’s legal counsel, Ayub Johnny Njie of AJ Njie & Associates Law Chambers, to determine the official cause of death. Badjie’s family and eyewitnesses allege he was assaulted by security officers after being found with a cannabis joint, while police claim he died after falling during a “hot pursuit” and was later pronounced dead.
