Fantanka

01/06/2026

Last week’s Youth- friendly TRRC Report distribution. In URR. We covered Fatoto Senior and Upper Basic, Sabi Senior and upper Basic School, Koba K***a Upper basic and SoS Basse.

26/05/2026

Fantanka visited Suduwol Upper Basic School and Suduwol Senior Secondary School in URR as part of the continued nationwide distribution of the child-friendly TRRC Report, reproduced with support from ATJLF.

The principal of the Upper Basic school who received us, welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation that the report is also available in local languages on Fantanka’s YouTube platform, helping make transitional justice more accessible to students and communities. He noted that not many CSO activities extend that far beyond the main towns.

Beyond distribution, the visit also strengthened Fantanka’s growing network with schools and young people towards meaningful civic education and youth empowerment across The Gambia.

09/05/2026

Fantanka Condemns the Arrest of Members of the Youth Movement, Gambians Against Looted Assets
Fantanka strongly condemns the arrest and detention of members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) during a planned commemoration marking the movement’s one-year anniversary at the Westfield Youth Monument.
The disruption of the event, which was to take place within the fenced grounds of the monument, with approval from Kanifing Municipal Council (its proprietor) reflects a deeply troubling disregard by the Gambia Police Force for restraint, respect for constitutionalism and the rule of law. Fantanka, like many other organizations and entities in the country, has on numerous occasions utilized the Westfield Youth Monument for peaceful civic activities and commemorations, including most recently during the April 10/11 commemoration activities, without being subjected to the kind of restriction and police response directed at GALA. This raises what can only be selective and unfair restrictions against the youth movement.
Such action is a shameful stain on the image and conscience of The Gambia that, after the country’s painful experiences with repression and abuse of power, peaceful civic activity continues to be met with intimidation and arrests. The repeated invocation of rule of law and democratic progress by public officials rings hollow when security responses continue to undermine the very freedoms and democratic culture they claim to protect.
What makes this specific incident especially reckless is the unnecessary antagonization of young people in a country whose population is so overwhelmingly youthful. No responsible leadership should be creating confrontation and distrust with citizens. The politicization of security institutions and selective application of the law do not strengthen peace or stability. African history is replete with lessons of how it instead deepens mistrust, alienation, and hostility toward institutions and law enforcement.
Fantanka reminds the Government and the Gambia Police Force that constitutional rights are not privileges to be withdrawn at convenience or to be weaponized. The duty of law enforcement in a democratic society is to uphold the Constitution, preserve peace, and protect citizens’ rights. It is not to suppress peaceful civic expression.
Fantanka therefore demands the immediate and unconditional release of all detained GALA members and calls on the authorities to desist from actions that continue to erode public trust, undermine democratic confidence, and damage relations between law enforcement and the country’s youth.

Fantanka

22/04/2026

We followed our dialogue in positive masculinity dialogue in Bansang with a community football tournament, using sport as a platform to unite young people around the values of peace, solidarity, and non-violence. In remembering the victims of April 10 & 11, 2000, the tournament connected memory with action—creating space for youth engagement, awareness on the plight of survivors, and continued conversations on sexual and gender-based violence in our communities.

18/04/2026

Fantanka continues its commemoration activities in remembrance of the tragedy of April 10 & 11, 2000, when violations against students sparked protests that led to the shooting and killing of 14 young people by security forces.

As part of this year’s observance, Fantanka is hosting a Positive Masculinity Youth Dialogue and a one-day football tournament in Bansang to spotlight the tragedy, highlight the plight of surviving victims, and raise awareness on issues of sexual and gender-based violence connected to the events of April 10 & 11, as well as within society more broadly.

15/04/2026

14/04/2026

A decade has passed, but the memory of April 14 remains as powerful as ever. We remember the bravery of those who stood firm in the face of uncertainty, who believed that their voices could spark change, and who paid the ultimate price.

Their courage lit a path that continues to guide us today, a path of unity, resilience, and hope for a better future. As we commemorate this day, we are reminded that true change requires sacrifice, and that the responsibility to build a better nation rests with all of us.

We honor their legacy by continuing to stand, to speak, and to believe.�

Today, we honor and reflect on the lives and sacrifices of the courageous individuals who took to the streets of Westfield in 2016, demanding meaningful electoral reforms.

As we mark the 10th anniversary of this pivotal moment, we remember their bravery, their voices, and their unwavering belief in change. Their courage lit a path that continues to guide us forward.

We remain grateful. We remain committed. And we do not forget.

13/04/2026

Fantanka expresses grave concern over recent allegations involving the sexual exploitation of a minor in The Gambia. While the matter remains under investigation, the public response is once again troubling.

The victim has been subjected to victim blaming, shaming, and negative speculation, despite having already endured the trauma of abuse and childbirth. These response undermines her dignity and well-being, but also reflects a broader, systemic failure in how our society treats survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

It is important for the public to note that beyond the immediate harm, SGBV survivors experience deep psychological trauma, including fear, anxiety, shame, depression, and possible post-traumatic stress. The ongoing public scrutiny and negative commentary can therefore retraumatize her, making recovery even more difficult. Instead of healing, these comments make victims feel isolated, blamed, and unsafe within her own community.

The long-term consequences are equally severe. As a minor who has already given birth, she now faces the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a child despite her inexperience. Her education, future socio-economic opportunities are significantly altered and wthout adequate support, she risks being trapped in a cycle of poverty and dependence.

Fantanka therefore urges the Government of The Gambia to conduct a prompt, impartial investigation while ensuring the survivor’s protection, privacy, and psychosocial support. Stronger enforcement of child protection and sexual offense laws, alongside investment in traumainformed healthcare, legal aid, and safe reporting mechanisms, is critical. Fantanka also urges media and the public to avoid harmful narratives and instead foster education, challenge victimblaming, and promote empathy and accountability.

We stands in solidarity with all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and reaffirm its commitment to advocating for a Gambia where every girl and woman can live free from violence, speak without fear, and access justice without discrimination.
Signed,
Fantanka

12/04/2026

Yesterday, as part of our April 10th & 11th commemoration, we screened Living with the Scars – Remembering April 10th & 11th, 2000 by Fantanka.

Each scene was a reminder of a painful chapter in our history, but also of the strength and resilience of our people. It created a space for reflection, conversation, and shared understanding.

Moments like these remind us of the importance of coming together, not just to remember, but to learn, to honor, and to keep the truth alive for future generations.

12/04/2026

“Remembrance Alone Is Not Enough, The Commemoration Is A Call To Action,”- Awa Dacosta

By: Momodou Janneh

In a solemn and sober mood, civil society and rights groups gathered at the youth monument in Westfield to reflect and commemorate the student killings which occurred on April 10 and 11, 2000, under the former regime. A dark chapter that has left scars on the hearts of survivors.

Delivering her statement on behalf of her organization, Fantanka, Awa Dacosta, the Programs and Outreach Coordinator, highlighted the significance of the day, underscoring that remembering the day alone is not enough, pointing out that the commemoration should serve as a step to a call to action.

Dacosta further emphasised her organisation and its partners' shared goal of working hand in hand to advocate for truth, justice, and institutional reform as a catalyst for sober reflection and to remember the April 10 and 11 incidents. “It must inspire us to build a society where the rights of young people are protected, where dissent is not criminalized, and where justice is not delayed,” she stressed.

As the commemoration was marked with silent voices reflecting on the day leading to the dark chapter of the country’s history, when young school-going children, filled with aspirations, courage, and determination, were met with heavy-handedness from the security apparatus, while they took to the streets demanding justice for the killing of their colleague Ebrima Barry who was beaten to death, and Binta Manneh who was r**e while she came to represent her school during the Inter-House championship.

“Instead of being heard, they were met with violence. Lives were lost, many were injured, and families were left with grief that endures to this day,” Dacosta said.

As the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) completed its mandate and submitted its recommendations for actions, many victims, particularly those of the April 10 and 11, await justice and reparations. “As a country that has committed itself to justice and democratic governance, we must continue to ask, where do we stand today? Have we done enough to ensure accountability? Have we taken the necessary steps to guarantee that such a tragedy will never happen again?” Dacosta asked.

Through Fantanka, she thanked their partners for standing with them in what she described as an “important work”, while echoing that their collaboration reflects the power of collective action in the advancement of human rights and accountability in the country. She strongly emphasised that young people should continue to be inspired and engaged while speaking out and contributing to building the Gambia they all deserve, as the history of April 10 and 11 belongs to the young people.

Twenty-six (26) years since the brutal incident occurred, many of the victims who are still alive wonder if justice will ever come their way, while still battling with deteriorating health conditions. While deceased families equally await the perpetrators of those crimes meted out against their loved ones to be brought to book.