Draft:Madi Jobarteh

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  • Comment: This is nearly reaching the notability threshold, but not quite there yet. The requirement here is ideally three independent in-depth profiles of the subject, see WP:GNG and WP:BASIC. The Africa Report is close to this, but it is a mix of interview and editorial reportage. If there were two other reports like that then this would move the dial. The Amnesty / J&P pieces / UK parliament EDM are primary sources; the Jollo piece is the subject's own words, so an interview. Thanks to the editor for the work so far, a bit more work is need here. ChrysGalley (talk) 11:29, 25 November 2025 (UTC)


Madi Jobarteh
Born
Boraba, Central River Region, The Gambia
CitizenshipGambian
EducationThe University of Ghana
University of Groningen
OccupationsHuman rights defender, pro-democracy activist
Years active1997 - present
Organization(s)The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice
Known forHuman rights defender
WebsiteEFSCRJ

Madi Jobarteh (b. 15th August 1971) is a prominent Gambian human rights defender and pro-democracy activist.[1][2][3]

Human rights work

Jobarteh is founder and executive director of the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) in The Gambia.[4] Prior to that, he served as country director for the Westminster Foundation for Democracy,[5] a position he relinquished over disagreements on the Israel/Palestine conflict.[6]

Jobarteh is often described as both a civil society leader and governance expert, blending activism with policy literacy.[7][8]

His human rights and pro-democracy stance put him at odds, first with the government of former Gambian dictator, Yahya Jammeh and subsequently with the administration of Adama Barrow which succeeded Jammeh.[9][10] He has challenged the current government over allegations of theft of public resources, corruption, police brutality and the failure of public officials to deliver.[11][12][13]

Jobarteh has been arrested by the Barrow authorities on numerous occasions under politically-motivated charges.[14][15]

Temporary exile

Between 2016 and 2017, Madi Jobarteh was briefly exiled in the Netherlands where he had been participating in a Shelter City visit for at-risk human rights defenders, only to realise he could not return for fear of arrest upon arrival in The Gambia. He remained in exile in the Netherlands until February 2017.[16]

References

  1. "Madi Jobarteh: Gambia's most loved and hated activist". The Africa Report.com. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  2. "Gambia: Human rights defender at risk in Gambia: Madi Jobarteh". Amnesty International. 2022-05-05. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  3. "Human rights defender Madi Jobarteh charged after being provisionally released". Front Line Defenders. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  4. "Team – efscrj.org". Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  5. "Political developments in The Gambia - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament". edm.parliament.uk. Retrieved 2025-09-23.
  6. Bah, Omar (2024-02-23). "Madi Quits Westminster Foundation Over Palestine Issue – The Standard Newspaper | Gambia". Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  7. Chapter, GYIN Gambia (2024-10-04). "GYIN Gambia Enhances Governance through Board Training with Renowned Activist Madi Jobarteh". GYIN. Retrieved 2026-04-28.
  8. "The Gambia: Stop attacks on human rights defenders and journalists". ARTICLE 19. 2022-05-10. Retrieved 2026-04-28.
  9. Marinah (2022-05-05). "Human rights defender Madi Jobarteh wrongfully attacked by The Gambia President Adama Barrow on national television". Justice & Peace Netherlands. Retrieved 2025-09-23.
  10. Marenah, Sainey M. K. (2021-10-07). "Pres. Adama Barrow's Shameful Visit! Insulting- Madi Jobarteh". The Alkamba Times. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  11. Times, The Alkamba (2023-09-07). "Government Silence over Corruption - Madi Jobarteh". The Alkamba Times. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  12. Jobarteh, Madi (2021-10-24). "Madi Jobarteh: Adama Barrow And Yaya Jammeh, Twin Betrayers Of The Gambia". Gambia News | JollofNews. Retrieved 2025-09-23.
  13. Maclean, Ruth; Jammeh, Saikou (2019-09-23). "Gambia's joy gives way to sinking distrust as Barrow clings to power". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-09-23.
  14. "Gambia: Further information: Drop charges against human rights defender: Madi Jobarteh". Amnesty International. 2024-02-21. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  15. "Amnesty Int. Urges Gambia Government To Drop 'Baseless' Charges Against Madi Jobarteh". Kerr Fatou Online Media House. 2024-02-22. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
  16. "Madi, a voice for change in The Gambia". Justice & Peace Netherlands. Retrieved 2025-09-19.