JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED: The Plight of Abdoulie Sanyang

Professor Mballow, Social and Political analyst

The case of Abdoulie Sanyang, a former Gambian soldier, has brought to light the systemic issues plaguing The Gambia’s justice system.

Sanyang’s prolonged detention and delayed trial have sparked concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring timely justice.

The Case

Abdoulie Sanyang was arrested on August 17, 2025, after making controversial comments about the 2021 presidential election and alleged government involvement in the killings of Ousainou and Amie Bojang. He faces charges of arson, seditious intention, incitement to violence, and offenses relating to judicial proceedings. Sanyang’s bail application has been adjourned multiple times, with the latest hearing scheduled for October 20, 2025.

Causes of Delay

The delays in Sanyang’s trial are attributed to various factors, including:

Lack of prison escort officers: The Gambia Prisons Service faces a shortage of male prison officers, hindering the transportation of remand prisoners to court.

Insufficient medical documentation: Sanyang’s defense team has struggled to provide adequate medical certification to support his bail application, citing his deteriorating health condition.

Prosecution’s requests for additional time: The state has requested adjournments to respond to Sanyang’s bail application and to provide additional evidence.

Consequences of Delay

The prolonged delay in Sanyang’s trial has significant implications for his human rights and the justice system as a whole:

Violation of constitutional rights: The delays violate Sanyang’s right to a fair and timely trial, as enshrined in Section 24(3) of the 1997 Constitution.

Deteriorating health: Sanyang’s health has significantly deteriorated since his detention, with his lawyers highlighting critical health issues, including hypertension, post-lumbar sacral surgery complications, and acute psychosis.

Erosion of public trust: Repeated delays and adjournments erode public trust in the justice system, undermining its credibility and effectiveness.

Conclusion

The case of Abdoulie Sanyang highlights the need for urgent reforms in The Gambia’s justice system.

The government must prioritize timely justice, ensure adequate resources for the judiciary, and address systemic issues causing delays. Sanyang’s situation serves as a stark reminder that justice delayed is indeed justice denied.