Opinion: The Bojang Protests and the Test of Justice in The Gambia

The recent protests surrounding the acquittal and discharge of Ousainou Bojang have exposed more than public anger, they have revealed a deep national tension over justice, trust in institutions, and the limits of state power.

At the heart of the matter is a simple but powerful legal principle: when a court of competent jurisdiction delivers a judgment, that decision must be respected. The High Court’s ruling on 30 March 2026 acquitted Bojang and his sister after finding that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing serious gaps in evidence.

Yet, what followed unsettled many Gambians. The re-arrest of the siblings shortly after their acquittal, reportedly tied to the State’s intention to appeal, triggered protests in places like Westfield and Brufut, with demonstrators accusing authorities of undermining the rule of law.

These protests were not just about one man. As many protesters themselves expressed, this was about a broader fear: if a court decision can be seemingly overturned in practice, then what guarantees exist for the ordinary citizen?

There is, however, another side that must be acknowledged. The State has a legal right to appeal a judgment it believes is flawed. In fact, the Attorney General’s Chambers made it clear that its decision to challenge the acquittal is rooted in a duty to seek justice for the victims and ensure the legal process is fully exhausted.

But legality and legitimacy are not always the same in the eyes of the public. The manner in which actions are taken can either build or erode confidence. The optics of re-arresting individuals immediately after acquittal, regardless of legal justification, created the perception of executive interference in judicial outcomes. That perception, whether accurate or not, is dangerous for any democracy.

The response of security forces has further complicated the situation. Reports of tear gas, injuries, and confrontations between protesters and police in Brufut highlight a pattern where public dissent is met with force rather than dialogue.

This raises a critical question: are we managing dissent, or suppressing it?

The protests also reflect a generational shift. Many of those on the streets are young Gambians who are increasingly vocal about governance, accountability, and rights. Their message is clear, they are not only reacting to a case; they are responding to what they see as systemic issues in governance and justice.

What makes this moment particularly significant is its timing. With a presidential election approaching, public trust in institutions will be more important than ever. How the government handles cases like this will shape not only its legitimacy but also the credibility of the broader democratic process.

The Bojang case, therefore, is no longer just a legal matter. It has become a national moment of reflection.

For the government, it is a reminder that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
For the judiciary, it is a test of independence and public confidence.
For citizens, it is a demonstration of the power, and responsibility, of civic engagement.

The way forward lies not in confrontation, but in clarity, transparency, and respect for due process. The law must take its course, but so must accountability.

Because in the end, the real issue is not just whether Ousainou Bojang is guilty or innocent, the courts have spoken on that. The real issue is whether Gambians believe in the system that made that decision.

And right now, that belief is being tested.