Ousainu Darboe, leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has accused Gambian police of breaking the law and using unnecessary force during last week’s protest crackdown, warning that such actions undermine the country’s democratic principles.
Speaking on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time on Monday, Darboe said videos circulating online show officers arresting protesters without following legal procedures and manhandling individuals who offered no resistance.
“Law enforcement should first issue a proclamation three times, instructing protesters to disperse,” Darboe explained. “Only if they refuse can police arrest them, and even then, only reasonable force should be used.”
He argued that officers ignored these rules, citing footage of four policemen restraining a man who was not resisting and the controversial arrest of rapper Killer Ace.
“The police should not manhandle people who don’t resist arrest,” Darboe said. “It is unacceptable, despite having the right to arrest anyone found wanting by the law.”
Darboe’s comments come as public pressure mounts for a full investigation into the conduct of security forces during the protests, which authorities declared unauthorised.
