The government has been given a seven-day ultimatum by youth representatives in Mandinary, who are demanding action and accountability following the coroner’s inquest into the death of Omar Badjie.

The youths, speaking through Ebrima John, said authorities have remained silent since the release of the report, a situation they described as “deeply concerning.”

“Since the release of that report, neither the Government of The Gambia nor the Gambia Police Force has made any official statement,” he said.

They are calling for a formal apology from the police leadership, arguing that an earlier account of the incident issued by the force was false.

“An acknowledgement is not just a formality; it is an official recognition of wrongdoing. An apology to the family and the community is essential,” John said.

The group is also demanding a separate apology from the government to the bereaved family and the wider Mandinary community.

Beyond apologies, the youths want immediate prosecution of officers implicated in the inquest findings, insisting that accountability must follow the conclusions reached.

“The recommendation for prosecution is not optional; it is a legal obligation,” the statement said, warning that failure to act risks undermining the entire inquest process.

They further called for the dismissal of all officers named in the report, arguing that allowing them to remain in service raises concerns about institutional integrity.

“Officers implicated in such serious violations cannot remain in positions of authority,” John added.

The youths said their demands are grounded in the findings of the inquest and consistent with the law, warning that failure to act within seven days could trigger further action.

The government and the Gambia Police Force have yet to respond to the ultimatum.

By Adama Makasuba