By Makutu Manneh
Emmanuel Daniel Joof, chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has attributed the ongoing protests in The Gambia to long-standing and unresolved human rights issues in the country.
Speaking In an interview on The Brunch on Saturday, Joof reminded the public that as far back as 2018—during President Adama Barrow’s first year in office—the Faraba Banta incident had prompted the establishment of a commission of inquiry, which made key recommendations that remain largely unimplemented.
“I only wish and hope that the duty bearers revisit the recommendations that are there,” Joof said. “Because we went heavy on the issue of public order, that if it is not managed well, if we do not look at facilitation and engagement rather than confrontation and dispersal,” he said.
He explained that the recommendations addressed several critical human rights concerns, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, restrictions on public assembly, delays in the justice system, and broader issues related to access to justice.
Joof cautioned that the failure to act on these findings has contributed to the current unrest. “If these human rights issues are not addressed, they will continue to result in public demonstrations,” he warned, adding that other underlying grievances could also trigger further instability if left unresolved.