Gambia Human Rights

Human Rights Concerns

Enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, attacks on freedom of expression and a climate of impunity are significant human rights concerns in The Gambia.

In October 2007, two Amnesty International researchers and a Gambian journalist were detained for nearly a week by the Gambian government while on an in-country research mission to investigate enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions.

More than 70 civilians and members of the military, including prisoners of conscience, were unlawfully detained after an alleged coup attempt in late March 2006. Several journalists and editors were also unlawfully detained for many weeks. At least 12 detainees were reportedly tortured. Five people who allegedly escaped may have been extrajudicially executed.

At least nine Gambian and foreign journalists and editors were detained in 2006, and some were reportedly tortured. Harassment and threats against journalists, editors and media critical of the government has intensified dramatically since the National Media Commissions Act was amended in 2004, criminalizing certain press offenses.