A victim of the April 10 and 11, 2000 student killings have accused the government of failing to honour its promises, 26 years after the deadly crackdown that shocked the nation.

In a strongly worded statement, Abdou Karim Jammeh, a survivor of the incident, said many victims continue to live in hardship, with limited access to medical care, education and financial support, despite commitments made in the aftermath of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

“The government accepted the recommendations, but implementation has been slow and inadequate,” he said. “Many survivors are still struggling. Some are dying without receiving the care they desperately need.”

The April 10 and 11 protests, led by students, were met with deadly force by security personnel, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

More than two decades on, victims say justice and meaningful reparations remain elusive.

Jammeh claimed that the situation has reached a critical point, with reports of survivors dying in recent months due to complications linked to injuries sustained during the crackdown.

“We are losing people week after week,” he said. “How long must we wait? Are we expected to die before anything meaningful is done?”

He also criticised the lack of official recognition of the events, noting that the dates are not formally commemorated and are absent from the national school calendar.

“Many young Gambians do not even know what happened,” he said. “This is a national tragedy that must not be forgotten.”

Victims further questioned the continued existence of laws such as the Public Order Act and indemnity provisions, arguing that they undermine accountability and justice.

They described the government’s response as a betrayal, saying those affected by the violence feel abandoned.

“We feel neglected and disappointed,” Jammeh said. “The government must act now to support survivors and victims’ families.”

He called for urgent intervention, including access to proper medical treatment, educational support for children of victims, and full implementation of the TRRC recommendations.

Jammeh also urged Gambians, both at home and abroad, to mobilise support through fundraising initiatives to assist those in need.

As the 26th anniversary passes, survivors say their demand remains unchanged: justice, recognition and dignity.

“History will judge how this country treated its victims,” he said. “But for now, we are still waiting.”