By Lamin Cham
Following daylong violence as police and protesters engaged in running battles, the coastal town of Brufut yesterday accorded a hero’s welcome to its native Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie, who were set free after 923 days in remanded custody while standing trial for the killing of two policemen and injuring of another.
The community woke up to a sudden outburst of violence as protesters reacted to news of the re-arrest of the Bojang siblings and the state’s attempt to block their acquittal by the high court. The protesters burnt tyres, blocked roads and engaged in pitch battles with riot police.
The build-up to the bloody Wednesday started as social media began to spread news of a plan by the youths of the town and protest group Gala to demonstrate against Ousainou’s continued detention. A large contingent of riot police arrived early morning and took control of access junctions from the Gamtel post to Ghana Town.
Youth groups joined by local councilor Alhagie Jammeh streamed from street corners to form a large column on the highway holding banners and chanting “Justice For Ousainou!”
“What is the legal basis of his detention if he is freed by a court of law?” Jammeh asked waiting journalists as the crowd applauded in agreement.
As the crowd swell, with early onlookers taking active part in the protest, the police’s initial indifference turned to disquiet and panic, as they began to gear up for what turned out to be a tense showdown.
Overwhelmed by mob bent on marching on the major road, the police responded by releasing tear gas which caused pandemonium across the town centre and beyond the market. Market vendors and buyers fled and traffic ground to a halt as people flee from the effects of tear gas. Dozens of people including a baby were transported to the town’s health centre for treatment. Many others sustained injuries from beatings by the police. Several people were arrested but later released.
The chaos in the streets inflamed those in their homes and soon the whole town rose in solidarity with the protesters and joined in the chorus to demand for the release of the Ousainou and her sister. With images of tear-gassed wounded patients in hospital flashing on phone screens, the situation became grimmer. However, news filtered through that the state has withdrawn its motion and the police announced that Ousainou and his sister have been freed.
Anger turned to celebration
Armed with this good news, officials from protest group Gala and prominent members of the community managed to calm the mob whose mood turned to celebration. “People Power! Ousainuou is finally free!” they chanted.
Their demands suddenly changed to holding a procession to welcome Ousainou.
The police refused a procession on the highway leading to another standoff that lasted hours until the crowd abandoned the motorway to gather at Ousainou’s family house where his convoy arrived using the back way.
He drove through atop a car roof surrounded by friends and relatives, looking overwhelmed with emotions as he cast his eyes on his compound and nearby familiar sights and faces he last saw more than two years ago.
His escorts ushered him into a lodge next door where he had worked until that September morning when his quiet life became topsy-turvy.
With Ousainou finally home, the crowd melted away satisfied with the outcome of their “people’s power fight”.
