By Makutu Manneh
Gambian human rights activist Yahya Sonko has announced plans to seek a permit from German authorities to organize a peaceful mass demonstration, calling on Germany to suspend its support to the Gambia Police Force until meaningful reforms are implemented.
Sonko argues that German support—through training, equipment, and resources—was intended to help build a professional and accountable police service, but instead, Gambian citizens continue to face brutality and unlawful killings.
“Germany provides equipment, training, and resources meant to build a professional police service, but instead, our people are being beaten, shot, and murdered with impunity,” Sonko said.
The activist is urging Gambians to unite in resisting police violence and to demand accountability. He has also called on Gambians in the European Union to join him in the planned protest in Germany, which will demand that Berlin halt its support to the Gambian police until reforms are undertaken.
Sonko stressed that while atrocities under former President Yahya Jammeh have been widely condemned, the current wave of killings and brutality under the country’s democratic government must also be acknowledged and addressed.
He cited victims who have died as a result of alleged police brutality, including Haruna Jatta, Bakary Kujabi, Ismaila Bah, Amadou Nyang Jawo, Ousman Darboe, Kebba Secka, and Omar Badjie. He warned that failure to address these abuses puts every citizen at risk.
Sonko urged Gambians to remain united and persistent in demanding change. “We will not remain silent. Justice, dignity, and protection of life must be the foundation of our democracy.”