Paramilitary police used tear gas yesterday to disperse students protesting at the University of The Gambia’s Kanifing campus. Several students fainted during the incident and were rushed to Kanifing Hospital.
The demonstration began in response to the dismissal of two senior lecturers, Dr. Alieu Gibba and Associate Professor Matarr Njie, who were accused by the university management of damaging the institution’s reputation through media allegations. The dismissals prompted the University Staff and Faculty Association to launch an indefinite strike, disrupting learning across the university just days before exams.
Protesting students, many of whom are directly affected by the dismissals, expressed frustration with the university’s management. They accused authorities of undermining their education by appointing new lecturers to replace the dismissed ones, forcing them to redo assessments. The protesters also criticized the University Students Union and other student organizations for not supporting their cause.
Carrying banners that read messages like “We demand justice for Dr. Gibba and Professor Matarr Njie!” and “An attack on lecturers is an attack on students!”, the students gathered peacefully on campus. Tensions escalated when police officers, including Kanifing’s regional police commissioner, arrived and attempted to relocate the protesters outside the campus for negotiations, which the students rejected.
As frustrations grew, some students tried to force their way into the Vice Chancellor’s office. Police reinforcements arrived, blocking access to the office and warning students that their protest lacked legal authorization. Sporadic clashes ensued, with students vowing to continue until their demands were addressed.
After hours of unrest, the acting university registrar accepted a petition from the students. However, the protesters remained adamant, insisting on speaking directly with the Vice Chancellor. The situation remained unresolved as the day ended.
