The April 2000 killing of schoolchildren stands as the worst atrocity during Yahya Jammeh's 22-year rule in The Gambia. Students without political ties were killed just for asking the government to be accountable.
Jammeh wanted everyone to believe he ran a peaceful country through excellent leadership. He measured success through building roads and other visible projects. He thought students could never organize protests themselves, considering all he claimed to have done for education.
Vice President Njie-Saidy falsely blamed students for the shootings despite admitting she lacked proper information. The government later passed a law protecting security forces from punishment for actions during public disturbances. Officials never compensated injured students, instead calling them unruly and claiming that foreign influence motivated the protests.
Government leaders refused to take responsibility, blaming each other instead. Jammeh later replaced the student union GAMSU with the National Patriotic Students Association, which supported his agenda. NAPSA members receive scholarships and other benefits for their loyalty.
At least 16 people died during the two days of demonstrations. The police helped cover up what really happened. Many students became unquestioning supporters of Jammeh, equating loyalty to him with patriotism.
Jammeh wanted everyone to believe he ran a peaceful country through excellent leadership. He measured success through building roads and other visible projects. He thought students could never organize protests themselves, considering all he claimed to have done for education.
Vice President Njie-Saidy falsely blamed students for the shootings despite admitting she lacked proper information. The government later passed a law protecting security forces from punishment for actions during public disturbances. Officials never compensated injured students, instead calling them unruly and claiming that foreign influence motivated the protests.
Government leaders refused to take responsibility, blaming each other instead. Jammeh later replaced the student union GAMSU with the National Patriotic Students Association, which supported his agenda. NAPSA members receive scholarships and other benefits for their loyalty.
At least 16 people died during the two days of demonstrations. The police helped cover up what really happened. Many students became unquestioning supporters of Jammeh, equating loyalty to him with patriotism.
