Rebutal: SANNA MANJANG’S PROSECUTION IS LAW, NOT POLITICS

By Yaya Dampha

 NPP Diaspora Coordinator, Sweden

The ongoing prosecution of Sanna Manjang has reignited intense public debate. While no reasonable Gambian contests the necessity of accountability for crimes committed during the Jammeh-era, it is equally important that public discussion be grounded in law, not conjecture. Unfortunately, recent commentary has injected legal inaccuracies and political speculation into what is, in reality, a straightforward matter of criminal justice.

Several claims being circulated deserve correction.

Sanna Manjang Is Not a Serving Member of the Gambia Armed Forces

The suggestion that Sanna Manjang remains an active member of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) is legally false.

Under the Gambia Armed Forces Act (GAFA) 1985, any soldier who is absent without lawful authority for more than 30 days is formally recorded as Absent Without Leave (AWOL). After three months, the individual is deemed a deserter. Importantly, under military law, prolonged desertion—especially extending over years—results in the automatic loss of military status. Sanna Manjang has not been in active service for over two decades. In law, he is no longer a member of the armed forces and therefore cannot be treated as such.

There is no legal basis for presenting a person in military uniform when he is no longer a legal member of the institution.

Civilian Courts Have Lawful Jurisdiction

Even if Sanna Manjang were a serving soldier (which he is not), the claim that only a court-martial could hear his case is incorrect.

Military law governs internal offences such as desertion, insubordination, or disciplinary breaches. However, crimes such as murder, torture, enforced disappearance, arson, and aggravated assault fall squarely under civil jurisdiction—regardless of whether the accused is a soldier or civilian.

Uniform does not confer immunity.

 Military rank does not shield criminal liability.

 Human-rights violations are not subject to military privilege.

The High Court of The Gambia therefore retains full jurisdiction.

Prosecution of One Suspect Is Not “Selective Justice”

It has also been argued that prosecuting Sanna Manjang while other Junglers remain uncharged amounts to selective justice. This misunderstands how criminal prosecutions work.

Prosecutorial decisions rest on:

availability of witnesses,

sufficiency of evidence,

admissibility standards,

and custody status of suspects.

Courts do not wait for multiple defendants to be arrested before proceeding against one who is already in custody and sufficiently implicated. No legal standard anywhere in the world requires that crimes be prosecuted in “batches.”

Justice is not rendered invalid because it is first.

Living Freely Does Not Mean Legal Innocence

The fact that some former Junglers remain at liberty does not render this prosecution illegitimate. It means only that investigations, evidence-gathering, and jurisdictional obstacles differ case by case. Prosecution is not a popularity contest or a public spectacle; it is a legal process driven by evidence, timing, and access to suspects.

To halt a legitimate trial simply because others have not yet been charged would institutionalize impunity rather than cure it.

The TRRC Was Not a Court — and Does Not Replace One

Another misunderstood point is the role of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). The TRRC was:

not a judicial body,

issued no convictions,

rendered no binding verdicts.

It produced findings and recommendations only.

Criminal prosecution comes after truth commissions—not before. The courts are not enforcing TRRC conclusions; they are applying the Criminal Code of The Gambia using evidence and witness testimony subjected to judicial scrutiny.

This Is Not Electoral Politics—It Is Delayed Justice

To label this prosecution “election-driven” trivializes years of survivors’ suffering and ignores the reality of systemic delay in post-dictatorship accountability.

Justice delayed by two decades is not political—it is overdue.

Timing does not invalidate legitimacy.

Conclusion

This is not a show trial.

 This is not political theater.

 This is lawful prosecution.

Sanna Manjang stands before a civilian court because:

he is lawfully a civilian,

his alleged crimes are civilian offences,

and the court holds jurisdiction.

The real threat to justice is not prosecution.

 It is public confusion fueled by false legal claims.

Gambians deserve truth based on law—not speculation.

Justice must proceed—not retreat.

Former ‘Jungler’ Sanna Manjang in Custody as Army Confirms Arrest

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter, Banju

The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that Sanna Manjang, a former member of the feared paramilitary unit known as the “Junglers,” is currently in custody, following reports of recent arrests linked to security operations in the country.

GAF spokesperson Malick Sanyang verified Manjang’s detention but said details regarding other individuals reportedly arrested remain unclear, including their identities and nationalities.

“It is my understanding that the referenced Sanna Manjang is indeed in custody, but the others allegedly rounded up have not yet been confirmed to be Gambians,” Sanyang said. He added that Gambian authorities are working closely with regional counterparts to ensure proper procedures are followed.

“There is close collaboration with our counterparts and the necessary steps are being taken in a timely manner,” he said. “Further details will be released as developments unfold. We urge the public to remain patient as this matter is being treated with the seriousness it deserves. A more detailed statement will be issued soon.”

Manjang reportedly fled The Gambia after the fall of the Yahya Jammeh administration. He has been implicated in several alleged human rights abuses highlighted in reports by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

Meanwhile, a senior security officer disclosed that former president Yahya Jammeh and individuals described as his close associates are believed to be aware of alleged plans by Manjang and others to carry out coordinated attacks on strategic installations, including Banjul International Airport, Kanilai military camp, and Yundum Barracks. According to the officer, some of the alleged plotters contacted elements within the army who instead reported the communications to security authorities.

The officer further commended the Government of Senegal and its security services for what he described as their diligence and cooperation in the ongoing security efforts.

Security sources say intensive intelligence-led investigations are continuing, with the possibility of further arrests. Observers also say the latest developments may explain recent claims by the APRC No-To-Alliance faction that former president Jammeh would return to the country this November, claims now widely viewed as increasingly doubtful.

ECOWAS in Action: Guinea-Bissau President Secured in Senegal

JarranewsTV – Dakar, Senegal

Senegal President Takes Part in Emergency ECOWAS Summit on Guinea-Bissau Crisis

The Government of Senegal has confirmed that His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye on Tuesday took part in an extraordinary virtual summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address the unfolding situation in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau following an attempted military takeover.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, the government said the high-level meeting strongly condemned the use of force to seize power and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order. The summit also demanded the unconditional release of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and all individuals currently in detention.

ECOWAS leaders further agreed to establish a mediation committee to oversee the implementation of the resolutions adopted. Senegal has been selected as a member of this ad hoc body, which is expected to travel to Bissau in the coming days to engage directly with stakeholders and assess the situation on the ground.

Addressing the summit, President Faye underscored the importance of upholding constitutional legality, ensuring the safety of civilians, and holding any electoral process in a peaceful and secure environment in line with regional frameworks.

According to the ministry, Senegalese authorities have been in continuous contact with political actors in Guinea-Bissau since the onset of the crisis. Under the direct guidance of the Head of State, discussions focused on securing the release of President Embaló and other political detainees, as well as reopening borders to allow the evacuation and repatriation of foreign nationals, including election observers.

As part of these efforts, the Senegalese government dispatched a chartered aircraft to Bissau to facilitate the operation. The intervention ensured the safe transport of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to Senegal.

The Government of Senegal reiterated its commitment to work closely with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international partners to promote dialogue, stability, and the swift restoration of constitutional governance and democratic legitimacy in Guinea-Bissau.

Forward Gambia Movement Engages GFD on Disability Inclusion Ahead of 2026 Polls

A delegation from the Forward Gambia Foundation, associated with supporters of former Gambian ambassador Essa Bokar Sey, on Friday held talks with the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) to explore possible areas of collaboration and discuss the inclusion of persons with disabilities in national governance.

The high-level engagement took place on 25 October at the federation’s headquarters in Kanifing and brought together GFD’s executive leadership and representatives from several Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), including the National Union of Disability Organisations (NUDY), Gambia Organisation of the Visually Impaired (GOVI), Gambia Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association (GADHOH), and the Gambia Amputees Association.

Presiding over the meeting, GFD President Muhammed Krubally said the Federation welcomed dialogue on disability issues but maintained its position as a non-political institution. He stressed that while the GFD does not endorse political parties or candidates, it remains open to partnerships that advance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

Speaking on behalf of the Federation, Acting Executive Director Sainey Camara disclosed that the engagement was formally requested by the Forward Gambia Foundation to present its agenda on disability inclusion. He reminded the delegation that the GFD operates under established protocols, adding that any partnership must respect the federation’s structures and procedures.

Presenting the movement’s position, the Foundation’s Nationwide Coordinator, Halimatou Sowe, said the group is inspired by Ambassador Sey and seeks to build a framework that ensures the participation of persons with disabilities at community, regional and national levels. She noted that Ambassador Sey, who is the parent of a child with a disability, has prioritised disability inclusion as a core part of his national vision.

The delegation underscored the importance of consulting the disability community as part of any national political agenda, stating that true national representation cannot be achieved without the active involvement of persons with disabilities in governance and decision-making processes.

A profile of Ambassador Sey was presented by Ebrima Ceesay, who highlighted the former diplomat’s service as ambassador to France, Russia, Taiwan and the United States. He also confirmed that preparations are underway to register a political party ahead of the 2026 presidential election.

Chairman Krubally cautioned against the use of persons with disabilities for political leverage and warned against what he described as past instances of “token representation” that failed to produce lasting impact. He also emphasised the correct use of inclusive terminology, urging the consistent reference to “Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).”

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain dialogue and explore areas of cooperation that promote empowerment and long-term inclusion. They reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, mutual respect and sustained engagement in the national interest.

Report by Madi S. Njie

IEC Official Sounds Alarm Over Low Female Representation in Gambia’s Politics

  

By Madi S. Njie

A senior official of The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged authorities, political parties and civil society to intensify efforts to ensure women and other marginalised groups are fully included in the country’s electoral system.

Mariama Jammeh, who oversees gender and disability matters at the IEC, made the appeal on 19 November 2025 during a UNDP-supported capacity-building forum held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre. Addressing participants at the workshop, she said that unequal access to political space continues to hold back democratic development.

In her presentation, she underlined that social expectations placed on men and women often determine who gets opportunities in public life and who is left behind. According to her, groups such as women, young people, persons with disabilities and economically disadvantaged communities still face significant obstacles when attempting to engage in politics.

Ms Jammeh pointed out a clear contradiction in the country’s voting patterns: although women make up most of the electorate, they remain largely absent from leadership positions. She disclosed that women accounted for more than half of registered voters in the past two national elections—53.5 per cent in 2016 and 57 per cent in 2021—yet none has ever stood as a presidential candidate in those contests. Representation in the National Assembly has also remained unchanged, with only three women elected in both the 2017 and 2022 parliaments. At local level, the situation is similarly bleak, with just one woman elected as mayor or council chairperson in both 2018 and 2023.

She warned that such imbalances weaken democracy and reduce the diversity of voices in decision-making. “Institutions should mirror the society they represent,” she said, noting that inclusion improves policymaking and supports national and international development goals.

To reverse the trend, she proposed a range of measures including the introduction of quotas, reforms within political parties, leadership mentoring for women, and nationwide education campaigns to raise awareness about voting rights and participation. She also stressed the need to confront long-standing cultural attitudes that discourage women from entering politics.

The workshop, organised with support from the United Nations Development Programme and coordinated by UNDP Governance Officer Ms Emi Leung, forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic participation and ensure no group is excluded from the political process in The Gambia.

Editorial: The Extravagant Travels of Former Auditor General Momodou Ceesay

JarraNewsTV Editorial: When the Auditor Becomes the Question — The Extravagant Travels of Former Auditor General Momodou Ceesay

In a country where every dalasi matters, the office entrusted with protecting the nation’s finances must be beyond reproach. That is why the newly surfaced travel chart linked to Momodou Ceesay, the former Auditor General of The Gambia, has sparked deep public concern and a wave of whistleblower-level scrutiny.

The data shows a startling pattern: near-continuous foreign trips, long hotel stays, high per diems, and an eagerness to attend every conference, workshop, or international gathering available. For a civil servant, the lifestyle appears more like that of a diplomat or a jet-setting executive than the head of a national oversight institution.

But the real issue is bigger than travel.

It is about trust.

The Office of the Auditor General holds the highest responsibility in uncovering financial mismanagement across government institutions. It is the watchdog—the one body expected to remain disciplined, frugal, and focused on the public interest.

Yet, the irony here is impossible to ignore:

No one audits the Office of the Auditor General.

The institution responsible for scrutinizing others has no internal or external mechanism that routinely scrutinizes its own spending. So when the Auditor General himself is seen engaging in frequent, costly international trips, the public’s confidence naturally collapses. If the watchdog is left unchecked, who then ensures accountability within the most critical accountability office in the country?

The emergence of this travel pattern also raises broader questions about Ceesay’s recent refusal of a ministerial appointment. A minister’s life is heavily domestic, tightly monitored, and subject to political and public scrutiny. It does not offer the same level of unrestricted international mobility, allowances, and luxury that these records suggest he grew accustomed to.

Was this globe-trotting lifestyle too comfortable to abandon?

While JarraNewsTV does not claim wrongdoing, the red flags are too obvious to ignore. At a time when The Gambia urgently needs strong financial guardianship, this situation reveals a deeper systemic weakness: a watchdog without a watcher.

If the Office of the Auditor General is allowed to operate without oversight, then national accountability itself stands on fragile ground.

JarraNewsTV will continue to follow this story as more details emerge.