The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice has condemned the police response to a peaceful student protest at the University of The Gambia (UTG) on Monday (2 Dec.)

The protest, organised by students in opposition to the dismissal of two lecturers, Dr. Alieu Gibba and Professor Matarr Njie, was held on university grounds without violence or disruption.

According to the Centre, the protest was entirely within legal rights, as students were exercising their constitutional right to assemble peacefully.

“There was no procession, nor the use of loudspeakers, meaning the protest complied with the Public Order Act,” the Centre stated.

However, the situation escalated when police arrived in riot gear and deployed tear gas, briefly hospitalising several students. The Centre criticised the use of force, calling it “disproportionate and unjustified”. 

“The students were not violent, and the police response amounted to an abuse of power,” the statement continued.

The Edward Francis Small Centre has called for investigations by The Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission, the Inspector General of Police, and UTG’s administration to ensure accountability.

“The Gambia must uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights to protest peacefully,” the Centre concluded, stressing that the government must avoid returning to authoritarian practices.

By Adama Makasuba