The Gambian government has officially called on Spanish authorities to launch a full judicial investigation into the tragic killing of a 19-year-old Gambian man, Abdoulie Bah, in Spain.
Abdoulie was reportedly shot and killed by Spanish police near the Gran Canaria Airport in Las Palmas on Saturday, May 17. According to reports, he had been involved in an incident where a taxi driver was allegedly attacked with a knife. Authorities say Abdoulie was suffering from schizophrenia at the time.
In a statement, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was deeply saddened by the loss and extended condolences to Abdoulie’s family and the wider Gambian community in Spain.
“The Government of The Gambia deeply regrets the loss of a young life under such tragic circumstances,” the statement read. “We stand in solidarity with Mr. Bah’s grieving family and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
The Foreign Ministry has voiced serious concerns over the use of lethal force and has urged Spanish officials to ensure a transparent and independent judicial investigation into the events that led to the shooting.
In addition to these diplomatic efforts, the Gambian Embassy in Madrid is taking steps to support the family. The Deputy Head of Mission is being dispatched to Las Palmas to speak with local authorities and members of the community. The embassy is also working closely with the family to repatriate Abdoulie’s body to The Gambia for burial in line with Islamic customs.
