Gambian Minister leads 'Freedom Walk' for activist killed over electoral reforms

Gambian Foreign Minister and Secretary General of the ruling United democratic Party (UDP), Ousainou Darboe led a procession in remembrance of late Ebrima Solo Sandeng.

Today (April 14) marks a year since Sandeng (the then National Organizer of the UDP) was arrested at Westfield Junction and reportedly tortured to death by operatives loyal to former President Jammeh.

Darboe was joined by hundreds of Gambians wearing T-shirts bearing the photo of the slain politician. The procession dubbed ‘The Solo Sandeng Freedom Walk’ was organized under the auspices of the Solo Sandeng Foundation and is “in commemoration of the April 14th protest.”

He was at the time of his arrest leading a peaceful march demanding electoral reforms ahead of December 2016 presidential elections. Sandeng died in detention shortly after his arrest.

Jammeh lost the polls to the opposition coalition candidate Adama Barrow – he refused to accept the results but fled into exile after regional forces threatened to oust him. He is currently living in Equatorial Guinea.

The new government has subsequently charged ex-Gambian Spy Chief, Yankuba Badjie, with the death of Sandeng. According to court documents, Badjie and 8 others were facing two counts of conspiracy to commit felony and murder.