A group of Gambians has tasked the US government through it Embassy in Banjul  to fulfil seven key demands over the death of US-based Gambian Modou Lamin Sisay and African-American George Floyd.

In a petition the group said: “We demand justice for Momodou, George Floyd, Ahmaud Aubrey and all departed souls in the hands of the US Police.”

And the demands included:” Release the police videos on the shooting of Momodou Lamin Sisay. Conduct thorough investigation of all incidents of police brutality against Blacks in the United States and ensure full justice and accountability.

“Conduct constitutional, legal and institutional reforms to weed out and end structural racism and to actively criminalise racism in all forms. Reform policing methods to orient law enforcement officers towards nonviolent policing methods and educate them about human rights.

“Reform American education system to fully introduce African and African-American history to highlight the contribution of Africans to world civilization and to the building of United States of America.

“Provide reparations to African-Americans with direct and huge investments in the provision of services, facilities and opportunities for their social, economic and cultural development, uphold and practice democratic values and protect the human rights and dignity of all.

“We expect nothing from the US Government other than to fulfil the promise of civil rights as espoused in the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 – 157 years ago – and all of the human rights ideals that are espoused in all of the statutes mentioned above that were delivered to American citizens especially to the African American. 

“This is all we demand and expect from the Government of the United States and its various institutions and officers. No more. No less,” the petition said.

“By this petition, we wish to therefore put it to the US Government that the Gambian citizens uncompromisingly demand justice, equality and freedom for all African Americans and African migrants in the United States.

“In our quest to achieve this objective, we will henceforth intensify and forge links, mobilise and organise all African citizens and groups as well as pressure all African Governments and political parties in Africa to demand an absolute end to institutionalised racism, police brutality, discrimination and injustice against African Americans immediately and in any case in our lifetime.

“We urge the current US leadership to take a firm and unequivocal stance against racism and police brutality and ensure its criminal justice system respects, protects and fulfils the human rights of all citizens and migrants.”

The group cancelled its Monday protest after the police denied them permit due to the state of emergency. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba