The Spark that Started the Fire

While the coming of the new millennium brought with it good luck and happiness for some people, for others it started bad. Most people in the Gambia would always remember the April 10th and 11th days of 2000 as days of mourning, sorrow, sadness and reflection.

On these days, a planned peaceful march organised by the Gambian student's Union (GAMSU) to protest the delay in the execution of Justice in the cases involving the alleged torture to death of a student by members of the fire and ambulance service and the alleged rape of a female student was turned to a bloody strike. More than thirteen students were gunned down, some seriously injured and in Hospital whilst others were detained, tortured and later released. Property worth millions was also destroyed. Has the exercise of rights led to the abrogation of rights? Were these days glorious days?

After the incident, the Government set up a coroner's inquest and a commission of inquiry to determine the cause of death of these students and to find out those responsible for the outcome of the April 10th and 11th incident. This move was praised by Human Rights Organisations, the international community and members of the public.

The coroner's inquest beyond all reasonable doubt revealed that except for a child of three, all the victims died as a result of injuries from high velocity weapons. In other words, life armunition (bullets) were used by members of the Security forces which led to the death and injury of many students.

Six months after the commission handed its report and recommendations to His Excellency Alh Yahaya AJJ Jammeh, the Government in a press conference by the then Mr. Cheyassin Secka, Attorney General and Secretary of State for Justice declared that in order for a proper healing process some of the commission's recommendations would not be heeded to. One of the recommendations of the commission of inquiry was that the executive members of the Students Union and some members of the Security be prosecuted for their roles in the April 10th and 11th incident. The Government however agreed that families of the April 10th and 11th victims be compensated. But would there be healing without justice?

What is the reality now? Some people have died. Some of the injured victims are still in Gambian hospitals. Families who had lost human beings are yet to be compensated.

The students will however not forget these days. Days when some of their friends, school mates, and loved ones were killed. Their f aces, smiles and jokes no more but in the Grave. Gone are those who died but never will they be forgotten, they shall always be remembered. Voices of silence in the grave that yearns and hunger for Justice.

Would those victims and family members even come to terms with this reality and forgive those responsible? This is a question playing in the minds of many. However until such a time when justice is done and seen to be done those silent voices in the grave will still be thirst calling for justice. From all indications it seems they would have to wait for the justice of God.