Activist Ebrima Gassama has reportedly died at the Brikama Health Centre while receiving critical treatment, amid claims that an electricity interruption occurred at the facility.

The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), which announced his death, said Gassama was receiving treatment with an oxygen machine when the power supply was interrupted.

The circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been independently established.

EFSCRJ said it first met Gassama during the GALA anti-corruption protest in July 2025, where he carried a placard reading:

“Healthcare fails, leaders feast.”

The rights organisation said the message has taken on a “devastating meaning” following his reported death.

“If confirmed, Ebrima’s death raises deeply troubling questions about the reliability of electricity and essential medical services in our health facilities,” EFSCRJ said.

The organisation argued that no patient receiving life-saving treatment should lose their life because of a power failure at a health facility.

EFSCRJ has called on President Adama Barrow and Health Minister Dr Ahmadou Samateh to order a full, independent and transparent investigation into the reported electricity failure at Brikama Health Centre and the circumstances surrounding Gassama’s death.

The organisation also highlighted continuing challenges facing the country’s health facilities, including unreliable electricity, inadequate equipment, shortages of medicines and other essential services.

EFSCRJ described Gassama as an outspoken activist who protested against corruption and advocated for improved healthcare and accountable leadership.

“His voice must not die with him,” the organisation said, urging Gambians to continue demanding better public services and greater accountability from those in authority.

The organisation called for justice for Gassama and for Gambians who suffer from inadequate healthcare and poor governance.

“Rest in Jannah, Comrade. Your activism will not be forgotten,” EFSCRJ said.