State sponsored violence against protesters has escalated once again in Gambia as police in riot gear attacked citizens gathering to demonstrate against unfair treatment of opposition members in state custody. On Monday, protesters gathered outside the High Court in the capital Banjul as opposition leader Ousainou Darboe appeared for a court ruling. Mr. Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) is on trial for his involvement in a protest held in April. He was arrested alongside 38 other opposition members, who have all been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony.

The longest-serving president of any country around the world has just been re-elected for the fifth time. Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema will see his nearly 37-year-long tenure in office extended after securing 93.7 percent of the vote.

Gambia's High Court has charged opposition leader Ousaniou Darboe and 19 other activists arrested after taking part in a protest with conspiracy to commit a felony. The defendants, including newly accused Masanneh Lalo Jawla, had previously been charged with assembling unlawfully, rioting, inciting violence and interfering with vehicles. They all pleaded not guilty.

Stereotypical African dictator Yahya Jammeh doesn’t suffer enemies gladly. But he’s made plenty during his 22 years in charge of the Gambia, and a recent wave of unrest indicates that his opponents are gaining strength. But can these delicate beginnings of a mass movement withstand the president’s penchant for brutal repression? 

Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is expected to extend his 36-year rule after allegedly winning over 90 percent of the national vote during this past Sunday’s elections.

Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang is expected to extend his 37-year rule after elections on Sunday which he says will give him more than 90 percent of the vote.

Military checkpoints popped up in the Gambian capital city of Banjul this week to crack down on public protests following several rallies that led to clashes with authorities and the death of opposition party members. The demonstrations kicked off this month in an effort to push for electoral reforms as the small West African country prepares to head to the polls this year, with President Yahya Jammeh up for reelection after more than 21 years in power.

Dozens of opposition leaders and activists have been arrested by the Gambian government since peaceful protests began on Thursday, April 14.

Human rights groups voiced concern on Friday over arrests in Gambia after a rare public demonstration in the West African nation, where President Yahya Jammeh has come under regular criticism for his increasingly authoritarian rule.