Claim: President Adama Barrow, in his national address on 29th September 2025, stated that the death of Omar Badjie was a result of the “recent disturbances.”
Source: President Adama Barrow
Verdict: MISLEADING
On 29th September 2025, President Adama Barrow, addressing the nation following the death of Omar Badjie at Mandinary Village in Lamin, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I address you following the recent disturbances which have led to the tragic loss of life and injury- affecting both citizens and members of our security services. Every life lost is a loss for our entire nation, and each injury is a reminder of the preciousness of peace.”
The President’s speech was broadcast live on the Gambia Radio and Television Service and published on other media platforms, including online. Additionally, it was posted on the official Facebook page of the State House, where it gained 573 likes, 178 comments and 36 shares as of 14th October 2025.
Background
On 26th September 2025, reports began circulating online that Omar Badjie, a 27-year-old resident of Mandinary, had died during a police operation. The news of his death sparked outrage in the community, leading to a protest later that day by Mandinary youth, demanding answers. Tensions escalated when clashes erupted between protesters and the Police Intervention Unit (PIU), resulting in the arrest of 19 individuals and property damage at the police post in Mandinary.
The following day, the protest continued as youth marched from Mandinary to Lamin, calling for justice for Omar Badjie and the release of the arrested individuals. Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators, but by evening, all detainees were released. Authorities also announced the formation of an investigative panel to look into the circumstances of Omar Badjie’s death, involving four police officers.
FactCheck
To assess the accuracy of President Barrow’s assertion, we reviewed the following evidence. In a press release dated 26th September 2025, the Police stated that they have “responded to a reported incident involving [police] officers and suspects while on routine visibility patrols around and within Mandinary. One of the suspects fell during hot pursuit and was taken to the hospital, and confirmed dead.”
Giving a follow-up update the next day, the police highlighted that: “On Friday, September 26, 2025, during routine visibility patrols conducted by officers under the jurisdiction of Mandinary Police Post…., officers encountered a group of young men suspected of smoking prohibited substances. On seeing the patrol team, the group dispersed in different directions. In the process, one of the youths, identified as Omar Badjie, 27 years old, collapsed and lost consciousness while fleeing.”
The police statement further stated that Omar “was immediately rushed by the patrol team to the Banjulinding Health Centre and later referred to the Kanifing General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.” This prompted the protest of the youth who went to the Mandinary Police post and “vandalised” it while “assaulting” some police officers, the police highlighted.
FactCheck Gambia researcher did reached out to the Presidency through its spokesperson for comments more than a week ago without a response. We will update one we hear from them.
Therefore, based on the police account and the reports from residents of Mandinary, the statement of President Barrow, which implies that “the recent disturbances” caused the death of Omar Badjie, is misleading.
Evidence revealed that Omar Badjie died before the protest happened, and in fact, the protest occurred after his death.
Verdict: MISLEADING
