Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The National Executive Committee of the dissident Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), loyal to former President Yahya Jammeh, has strongly condemned what it describes as the ongoing illegal logging and looting of properties belonging to former Gambian ruler in Kanilai. In a statement signed by the party’s Administrative Secretary, Hon. Alhagie Matarr Kujabi, the APRC no Alliance faction accused the Gambian government and its agencies, including the Army, of gross violations of agreements and constitutional principles.

The statement cited specific incidents, including the recent felling of trees allegedly ordered by Sergeant Pa Hally Gibba, an Officer at the 4th Infantry Battalion in Kanilai. The APRC Jammeh faction claimed that these actions resulted in the destruction of buildings and other assets, including boreholes, generators, furniture, and chain-link fences.

It further alleged that valuable trees were logged and wildlife in the area hunted and sold, leading to the depletion of the Kanilai Forest Park’s ecosystem and an acute water shortage in the village.

Violation of the Memorandum of Understanding

The APRC dissident faction also accused international bodies, including the United Nations (UN), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Union (AU), of failing to uphold their commitments under the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU, signed during the political impasse that led to Jammeh’s exile, purportedly guarantees the protection of Jammeh’s assets and properties and safeguards his supporters from retribution.

“The UN, ECOWAS, and AU have turned a blind eye to these outrageous violations by the Adama Barrow government,” the statement read, holding the organizations accountable for the alleged breach of the agreement.

The party also described the sale of Jammeh’s assets by the Janneh Commission as unlawful, asserting that the sales began before the Commission concluded its findings.

The APRC breakaway faction demanded an immediate cessation of what it termed “destruction, logging, and looting” and called on the government, the Attorney General, the Ministry of Justice, and the military high command to investigate and prosecute those responsible. It emphasized that these actions violate the 1997 Constitution and pose a threat to the peace and security of The Gambia.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to hold the government and its partners accountable for their failure to live up to expectations, undermining the peace and security of The Gambia,” the statement concluded.

The APRC dissident group assured former President Jammeh and his family of their unwavering support, expressing hope that The Gambia would continue to enjoy peace and stability.

The Gambian government and the Army have yet to respond to the allegations. However, the APRC breakaway faction’s bold statement highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the legacy of Jammeh and the handling of his assets in the country.