Gambia demands investigation into US killing of diplomat's son

The Gambia has demanded a full “transparent” investigation this week into the killing of a diplomat’s son by US police in Georgia, USA.  

Momodou Lamin Sisay was shot dead after a car chase early on Friday morning. The chase ensued after police called for Sisay, who was driving, to stop the car to which Sisay did not comply.  

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Sisay was supposedly carrying a gun which he fired at SWAT officers. One police officer returned fire, killing the 39-year-old.  

The victim’s father is Lare Sisay, a diplomat in the United Nations, who has been vocal in challenging the Georgia Police report, arguing that the police used unnecessary and excessive force against his son. 

He has also publicly disputed whether his son was carrying a gun and questions the validity of the GBI’s report.

Lare Sisay told The Point newspaper, "We will do an independent autopsy and we want to get a private investigator to investigate the circumstances of his death and if necessary, hire a lawyer to sue the Georgia state police. We're not going to let it go".

The Gambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked for a full “transparent, credible and objective investigation" in addition to the GBI’s preliminary findings.

Tensions are currently high between the US and West African nations after race relations in the US deteriorated into riots and protests across the country. Black Lives Matter protests have been sparked internationally by the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, USA, last week.

 Along with Floyd, Momodou Sisay has been used as an example by protesters of police brutality against black people.

Photo:Handout