By: Nyima Sillah
Foni resident, Duwa Badgie, who was allegedly killed by the Senegalese Soldiers on 21st December, 2023, has been finally laid to rest in his Village of Gilanfari.
Duwa who died at the age of 68yrs was married with seven children who were under his care at the time of his death. His funeral was attended by thousands of people within the Gambia, Casamance, and Senegal who came to show solidarity to the family on a solemn day that marks his last day on earth.
His demise reminds a history in the village as he was remembered and praised as one of the most hardworking men in the village who was always committed to community service.
Chairman Foni Bintang Karanai, BuramaSanyang advised the government to note that Foni is not Casamance, Foni is Gambia, arguing that it is painful for an outsider to come to their soil and kill someone.
He explained that they had been making a lot of efforts together with the NAMs of those regions since the shooting of Duwa but his whereabouts were unknown for 40days until the 41day when they found out that Duwa had died. He said they were denied by the Senegalese government to see his dead body until when they informed the Gambian government, they were able to handle the matter professionally.
He argues that enough is enough because the Foni people have been patient for a long time and urged the government to take preventivemeasures before the issue gets out of hand. “If anyone outside kills anyone on our soil, if the government doesn’t take any step, we will take the law in our hands. Let this be the first and last,” he stressed.
Hon. Toumanding Sanneh, a Lawmaker also made a similar statement sending a message to the government to take note that they don’t want history to repeat itself and they want the killing to be the first and last incident in the region.
“If Foni is not stable Gambia is not stable,” he said.
The late Duwa Badgie’s brother, Alieu Badgie, explained how they received the information on Duwa’s shooting and how they came to find out his death, describing it as a shocking moment for the family and they are still mourning his death. He extolled the government and all other stakeholders for their support to repatriate the body and give him a befitting burial.
He further explained that since the incident occurred, they were all denied to see him including his wife. “We were told by the soldiers that he was under treatment and if he heals, they will hand him over whilst he is already dead which is very painful and we want justice to prevail,” he concluded.
