Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-15 10:39:00
The Minister of Defence, Serign Modou Njie, recently informed the National Assembly that a board constituted by the Gambia Armed Forces is currently investigating an alleged theft case at former president Yahya Jammeh’s Kanilai residence. This comes after the National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, reported the theft case to the Minister of Defence last year. The residence is currently occupied by GAF.
After six months with no updates on the case, NAM Gibba raised a parliamentary question for updates. Minister Njie stated that his ministry had instructed the GAF High Command to convene a board of inquiry to investigate the matter. The items reported stolen included a big mattress, television screen, washing machines, deep freezers, chairs, and VIP coats.
When asked about the time it would take for the military to investigate the matter, Minister Njie responded that the board would conclude its findings in due time. NAM Gibba questioned how the theft could occur in a well-protected house where the army holds the keys. Minister Njie assured the assembly that the matter was being looked into and urged patience until the inquiry is concluded.
In another case involving the GAF, the story of ex-corporal Omar Sarjo was brought up. In 2017, GAF received intelligence suggesting that Sarjo was associated with the leader of the MFDC separatists in Senegal. A subsequent investigation revealed that Sarjo had gained admission into the GAF under false pretenses and was subsequently dismissed. However, a high court judge later deemed his dismissal a violation of the constitution and ordered his reinstatement.
During a parliamentary Q&A session, NAM Gibba inquired why Sarjo had not been reinstated despite the court order. Minister Njie explained that legal opinions on the matter were being reviewed by the GAF. When pressed further about the delays in implementing the court order, Minister Njie reiterated that the matter was under review.
Other members of the assembly, including NAMs Suwaibou Touray and Touma Njai, expressed concerns about the delay in implementing the court order, suggesting that it could amount to contempt of court. Minister Njie maintained that the legal opinions were being reviewed and that the outcome would be communicated to the assembly once determined.
Overall, the assembly members raised important questions about accountability and transparency within the GAF regarding these two cases. The Minister of Defence pledged to provide further information as the investigations progress and the legal opinions are reviewed. The outcome of these cases will be closely monitored by the assembly to ensure justice is served.
Read the original article on The Standard
