By Zainab Sesay
The National Human Rights Commission has officially opened investigations into the death of a market vendor, Ousman Darboe who was allegedly killed by officers of the anti-crime unit under the Gambia Police Force.
His death sparked wild demonstrations by youths who alleged he was tortured shortly before his release from police custody.
The police detained Darboe, 33, a black market vendor who was also a Sierra Leonean over investigations of suspected stolen items. He died shortly after his release.
The Government has since called for calm and promised to set up an independent inquiry.
The chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Emmanuel Daniel Joof announced his office is investigating the matter at the opening of a three-day workshop on leadership orientation for commissioners and staff of the commission at Kairaba hotel.
Joof explained that since the establishment of the commission it has embarked on a series of activities that include developing a complaint form for those who want to access the commission with complaints as well as engaging key rule of law actors on pertinent human rights issues.
He said the workshop is therefore timely and relevant as they embark on cementing the building blocks of the foundation of an effective human rights commission in the Gambia.
Maurice Enguelegue, senior program officer, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, said respect for human rights and rule of law are key pillars for sustainable democracy and resilience in institutional reform processes.
