Twenty three men, who were accused of being involved in last weekend violent caste-based clash in Koina, Upper River Region, have been denied bail at Basse Magistrates’ Court.

The men were remanded at Janjanbureh Prisons pending their trial on June 17. They are charged with two counts of assault causing bodily harm and arson. The alleged mastermind received an additional charge of incitement of violence.

The weekend clash in the Serahuleh community was said to have started when a group of so-called higher caste assaulted a leader of the so-called lower class, one Muhammad Krubally.

According to eyewitnesses the fight started when Muhammed Krubally entered a mosque with a headscarf with the inscription ‘Gambana’ on it – meaning “we are all equals” in the Sarahulleh language.

A group of so-called higher status were said to have taken an issue with Mr. Krubally’s slogan and accosted him. He was tied up, according to eyewitnesses and taken out of the mosque to a nearby house where he was assaulted and ordered to retract his slogan.

A video of his assault and interrogation was shared on Facebook. But we couldn’t independently verify it.

Mr. Krubally’s supporters came to his aid and a violent clash ensued leading to injuries on both sides.

Gunshots were allegedly fired in the air; a house was burned to the ground and others vandalized.

Dembo Maimuna Touray from the “Ganbanaaxu” faction was reported to be seriously injured after losing two teeth and is hospitalised at Koina Health Centre.

The incident has brought to the fore negative traditional practices that many Gambians thought were consigned to the dustbin of history. Many have called for the government to apply the full force of the law and ensure that this harmful traditional practice is stop for good.