Coffee Seller Pleads Guilty to Defiling a Minor
A coffee seller, Momodou Salieu Jallow, has been remanded at Mile 2 Prison pending sentencing after pleading guilty to a charge of defilement of a minor, which leads to pregnancy. Jallow appeared before Magistrate B. Sowe on 14th October 2026 and pleaded guilty to the charge brought under Section 5(1) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2013.
More in this court report.
Convicted Thief Sold D35,000 Motorbike for D3,000
The Kanifing Magistrate’s Court has fined Mbye Ceesay D100,000 for stealing a motorbike valued at D35,000 in Kololi and selling it for just D3,000. Ceesay, who pleaded guilty to the theft, admitted selling the 'Jakarta' motorbike belonging to Muhammed Jallow to a man identified as Badou. The motorbike has not been recovered.
More in the court report.
Kanifing Magistrate Court Grants Samba Keita D150,000 Bail in Cannabis Possession Case
The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has granted Samba Keita bail in the sum of D150,000 in a case involving the alleged possession of 870 grammes of cannabis sativa, a prohibited drug under Gambian law.
More in the court report.
New ECOWAS Judges Sworn in for Four Years
New Judges of the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been sworn into office for a four-year, non-renewable tenure by the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal at a ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria on 6 October 2026.
More in this press release.
Gambia Launches Special Criminal Division as Transitional Justice Enters New Phase
In a landmark development for The Gambia’s justice system, the judiciary has inaugurated the Special Criminal Division of the High Court at Mile 7 in Bakau, a move widely hailed as a pivotal step in advancing the nation’s long running transitional justice process.
More in the news report.
Omar Badjie’s Coroners Inquest Recommends Criminal Proceedings Against Police Officers
The coroner's inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, which sparked protests in Lamin Mandinary, has concluded that his death was caused by police officers who assaulted him physically. The press release issued today from the Office of the Chief Justice recommends the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider criminal proceedings against the police officers involved. More in the press release.
Multiple Cases Adjourned at Banjul High Court Over Absences and Interpreter Dispute
On Wednesday, 4th February 2025, Askanwi’s court reporter travelled to the Banjul High Court to cover the continuation of a court proceeding that was adjourned together with three other court cases adjourned due to an interpreter refusing to take the oath.
Victim Center Calls Government to Action, Commemorates November 11th Soldiers Massacre
The Gambia’s Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations (Victim Center) has issued a statement calling the government into action and to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the massacre of soldiers on 11th November 1994 by the former regime of President Yahya Jammeh. More in this press release.
Victims of Jammeh-era Abuses Warn Against Former President’s Return Without Justice
Victims of former President Jammeh are calling for him to face prosecution for human rights violations investigated by an Independent Commission upon his announced return to the country in November 2025. More in this statement from the Alliance of Victim Lead Organisations (AVLO).
NGO Forum Tackles Reparative Justice for Africans and the Diaspora
In a strong call for accountability and redress, human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and policymakers gathered in The Gambia for the NGO Forum on Reparative Justice, spotlighting the urgent need to address the enduring legacy of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism across Africa and its diaspora. More in the report.
ACHPR Kicks Off 83rd Session: Justice and Reparations in Focus
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) officially opened its 83rd Ordinary Session on May 2, 2025, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, The Gambia. Centred on the theme of justice and reparations, the session brings together human rights defenders, government officials, and stakeholders from across Africa to tackle pressing issues such as accountability, human rights violations, and pathways toward reparative justice. The three-week event will shape critical decisions aimed at protecting and advancing human and peoples’ rights across the continent. More in the report.
Gambia’s Minister Announces Dedicated Court for Gender-Based Violence Trials
The Gambia is set to establish a dedicated court for gender-based violence (GBV) cases, a move announced by the Minister for Gender, Women, and Children’s Welfare, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, during a workshop organized by the All-Africa Church Conference in April 2025. More in the report.
Ghanaian Victims Petition The Gambia's Justice Minister
Ghanaian Victims petitioned The Gambia’s Minister of Justice during a public lecture on the Transitional Justice process today 3rd May 2024. The petition titled “The Cry of the Ghanaian Victims of the 2005 Gambia Killing”, includes concerns and five demands for The Gambia Government signed by 36 people.
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