Ebrima Solo Sandeng was one of the most courageous and selfless figures in the history of The Gambia’s opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). A committed founding-era member, former Youth Secretary General, and ultimately National Organizing Secretary of the party, Solo devoted two decades of his life to the struggle for democracy, justice, and political freedom in The Gambia.
Solo joined the UDP in 1996, at the party’s inception, and served in several leadership positions over the years. He served two terms as Youth Secretary General before becoming the party’s National Organizing Secretary, a position he held at the time of his death.
Beyond his formal positions, Solo was a tireless grassroots organizer and community mobilizer. He believed deeply in political participation and worked to build unity among opposition forces in the struggle against authoritarian rule. His political activism was matched by his commitment to his community, where he was involved in various self-help and community development initiatives.
His commitment to democracy came at great personal cost. Solo was repeatedly persecuted by the regime for his political activities. In 2014, he was arrested and detained at Mile 2 Prison after holding an indoor meeting with UDP members. Despite the intimidation and hardship, he refused to abandon the struggle.
On April 14, 2016, Solo Sandeng led a peaceful demonstration in Serrekunda calling for electoral reforms and a more level political playing field ahead of the presidential election. Police forces violently dispersed the protesters and arrested Solo and numerous other demonstrators. He was subsequently taken into the custody of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Solo did not survive his detention.
He died in state custody shortly after his arrest, following severe mistreatment and beatings. Human Rights Watch documented witness accounts describing his condition while detained, while the United Nations expressed grave concern over his death and called for an independent investigation.
For months, the authorities refused to disclose the full circumstances of his death or return his remains to his family. His remains were eventually recovered and exhumed in March 2017.
Solo Sandeng’s death became a defining moment in The Gambia’s democratic struggle. His sacrifice galvanized the opposition and intensified demands for an end to authoritarian rule. His name became synonymous with courage, resistance, and the price paid by Gambians who dared to stand up for freedom.
Solo was not simply a political activist. He was a husband, a father, a community man, an organizer, and a patriot who believed that the Gambia belonged to all its citizens. He left behind a wife and nine children, but also a legacy that belongs to an entire nation.
Mr. Solo Sandeng, thank you for your tremendous service and ultimate sacrifice for our country and for the United Democratic Party. You stood when others were afraid to stand. You spoke when others were silenced. And you gave your life in pursuit of a freer and more democratic Gambia.
As we celebrate 30 years of the United Democratic Party, we remember you not only as a fallen son of the UDP, but as one of the courageous patriots whose sacrifice helped inspire a nation to reclaim its democratic future.
Your courage will never be forgotten.
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Your name will forever remain part of the history and legacy of the United Democratic Party.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Mr. Solo Sandeng.
May your sacrifice continue to inspire generations of Gambians to stand for democracy, justice, freedom, and a better Gambia.
UDP Media & Communications Team