On December 2, 2024, police used tear gas to disperse a group of students who were protesting at the University of the Gambia against the dismissal of two lecturers. Three students were hospitalized. 

Throughout the protest, students chanted slogans and held placards outside the Law Faculty building to demand the reinstatement of the two lecturers. During that time, police arrived in riot gear, and several police commissioners began to mediate between students and the administration. While negotiations were still ongoing, one officer, acting independently, fired tear gas into the crowd. Chaos ensued and three students were hospitalized. 

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:

https://standard.gm/police-teargas-protesting-utg-students/
https://www.facebook.com/PolisoMagazine/posts/gpf-mediates-utg-student-protest-addresses-incidentdate-december-3-2024the-gambi/861452682865763/
https://lamtoronews.com/2024/12/03/concern-over-police-action-against-university-students/
https://gambiaj.com/gambia-police-address-incident-at-utg-protest-discipline-officer-over-misconduct/
https://gambiana.com/three-utg-student-protesters-hospitalised-after-police-disperse-crowd-with-teargas/