Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has commenced a General Court Martial to try Lieutenant Colonel Sanna Manjang, a former senior military officer accused of desertion after allegedly being absent from his duty post for nearly nine years.
The proceedings opened on Monday at the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess at Fajara Barracks in Banjul.
According to GAF, Manjang is facing charges under Section 34 of the Gambia Armed Forces Act 1985, specifically desertion contrary to Section 53(1)(a) of the Gambia Armed Forces Act, Cap 19:01, Volume IV of the Laws of The Gambia 2009.
The particulars of the charge allege that Manjang, “on or about 21st January 2017, absented yourself from your duty post at the State Guards Battalion in Banjul” and remained absent for a continuous period of nine years with the intention of deserting.
Manjang, who has been implicated in serious human rights violations during the former Yahya Jammeh regime and identified as a member of the alleged Junglers death squad, was arrested on November 29, 2025, in Senegal’s southern Casamance region.
His case now brings one of the former regime’s alleged operatives before a military court, although the current proceedings relate specifically to the desertion charge.
The Court Martial is being presided over by a panel of senior GAF officers led by Colonel Ousman Bah as President. Justice Omar Cham is serving as Judge Advocate.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdurrahman Maitama Yusuf, or his representatives, assisted by a team of GAF lawyers, will prosecute the case.
GAF said Manjang has also been provided with defending officers, while he retains the option of informing the Officer-Under-Instruction of a defending officer or counsel of his choice.
The military said the proceedings are open to the media and members of the public.
GAF said the Court Martial demonstrates the Armed Forces’ commitment to justice, accountability, the protection of fundamental rights, and respect for the rule of law.
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