GAMBIAN DIASPORA IN ITALY DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR SLAIN YOUTH IBRAHIM DIBBA

By Mariama Nyang

Members of the Gambian diaspora in Latina are demanding swift justice and calling on local authorities to thoroughly investigate the killing of Ibrahim Dibba, a young Gambian national from Farafenni who was slain in mid-September.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local migrant community, prompting a peaceful protest and an official petition addressed to the Mayoress of Latina.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Global Radio & TV International via WhatsApp , Lamin Jammeh a fellow Gambian residing in Latina and originally from Tallinding Medina, Serekunda East detailed the events leading up to the killing of Dibba, whom he described as a hardworking and respectful younger brother.
According to Jammeh, the two last met on September 10, when Dibba visited his home along with his girlfriend and a friend.
"Every month when I receive my salary, I help him financially," Jammeh said. "He came over, we shared a meal, and they left. I didn't notice anything suspicious at the time."
However, circumstances took a dangerous turn less than a week later. On September 15, Dibba was reportedly confronted and threatened . The following day, Wednesday, September 16, he was killed.

"If I had known he was facing threats with a pistol, I would have rushed to bring him to my home and immediately notified the police," Jammeh reflected.
Community members have raised sharp concerns regarding the initial police response. Citing an eyewitness, Jammeh alleged that emergency services were called on September 15. Although two police patrol vehicles arrived at the scene with lights and sirens, officers reportedly departed without taking anyone into custody or making an arrest.

In the wake of Dibba's death, the local Gambian community organized a peaceful demonstration on September 25 to express their grief and demand accountability.
"As migrants, life here is never easy, but we are law-abiding," Jammeh emphasized. "We cannot take the law into our own hands. Organising a peaceful protest was our only way to respond, and thankfully, local authorities permitted it."

Jammeh authored a formal petition on behalf of the community, which is being tendered to the Mayoress of Latina. Beyond urging a full criminal investigation into Dibba's death and the unaddressed threats preceding it, the document highlights broader systemic vulnerabilities faced by migrants in the region, including severe housing shortages and obstacles to obtaining legal legal work documentation.

The initiative received direct support from the leadership of Global Radio & TV, whose CEO visited Latina to tour the site of the incident and the park to have dialogue with the Gambia community on how to be law abiding. He assisted in refining the petition that was given to mayoress. I must commend Mr. Touray the CEO of GRTV for his patriotism standing with Gambians across Italy without not official support from The Gambian government.

"My advice to our youth in the diaspora is to stay focused and remember why we are away from home," he said. "Surround yourself with good friends, seek guidance from people you trust, focus on your work, and never forget to support your families back home in The Gambia.” Jammeh said.