By Buba Gagigo
Stanisias Gomez, one of the victims allegedly shot by personnel from the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) on August 26, 2024, has declined a request to appear before a GAF Board of Inquiry. In a letter to the military, Gomez expressed discomfort with the idea of appearing before the board, citing a lack of trust in its composition.
The Gambia Armed Forces had established the Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which was allegedly carried out by the State Guards Battalion Patrol Team. The GAF requested that Gomez, along with Simon Correa, Eku Badjan, Allen Loppy, Isaac Sambou, and John Moses Jammeh, to appear before the board and provide their version of events.
In his response, Gomez, speaking on behalf of the group, refused the invitation.
“I refer to your letter dated September 26, 2024, addressed to me and five others. Please note that the first four addresses were involved in the incident of August 26, 2024, when one of your officers fired at our vehicle, resulting in my being shot. The bullet remains lodged in my right thigh, for which I am currently undergoing medical treatment. The fifth person mentioned in your letter, “John Moses Jammeh” of Kanifing, was not involved in the incident, and none of my colleagues know him. His inclusion in this matter is beyond our comprehension,” Stanisias Gomez said.
Gomez also expressed frustration over how the GAF handled the situation, particularly regarding a press release issued on August 27, 2024, and the appearance of Colonel Lamin K. Sanyang, Director of Press and Public Relations for the GAF, on QTV.
“As you are aware, following the incident, a press release was hastily issued on 27th August 2024, signed by Colonel Lamin K. Sanyang, Director of Press and Public Relations of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF). Colonel Sanyang also appeared on QTV, where he made and repeated false and malicious allegations against us, seemingly to tarnish our image and cover up for the unprofessional and life-threatening actions of your personnel, which resulted in me being shot. Colonel Sanyang is fully aware that the allegations he made were and remain false.
Contrary to his claims, our vehicle was not speeding at the time of the shooting. In fact, it was stationary when we were fired upon, not in motion after a high-speed chase, as he alleged,” Gomez explained.
He added that the road cone placed by GAF personnel lacked reflectors, making it difficult to see, especially as it was drizzling at the time, and no soldiers were visible on the road.
“The subsequent accusation that we were intoxicated, as mentioned in the press release and repeated during the QTV interview, was both malicious and an afterthought, possibly influenced by the fact that we all carry Christian names,” he said.
He clarified that no alcohol bottles or cans were found in their vehicle, nor were they subjected to breathalyzer tests to substantiate these claims.
“We have since lodged a formal complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and have provided all necessary facts and documentary evidence. We have also sought legal advice from a private lawyer. In light of your press release and the QTV interview, we have referred your letter to both the NHRC and our legal counsel. We have informed them of your request for us to appear before the Board of Inquiry. Please be advised that we are not comfortable appearing before your Board of Inquiry, nor do we trust its composition,” Gomez stated.
He said they would only consider participating if representatives from the National Human Rights Commission and their legal counsel were present during the proceedings.
“This matter could have been amicably resolved with a simple apology and the acknowledgement that your officers made a grave mistake. You could have taken responsibility for my medical expenses. Instead, you chose to engage in a cover-up and smear campaign against us,” Gomez concluded.