Gambiaj.com – (ZIGUINCHOR, Senegal) – The criminal chamber in Ziguinchor on Tuesday heard the case of J.C. Sambou, popularly known as “Papis Assine,” is a 46-year-old gardener accused of involvement with the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC), as well as criminal association, participation in an insurrection, and illegal possession of weapons.
According to court proceedings reported by L’Observateur, J.C. Sambou’s legal troubles stem from events on May 7, 2022, when military reconnaissance patrols conducting aerial surveillance in the Séléty area spotted a suspicious bag hidden in an orchard. Soldiers later discovered rifle stocks and improvised firing mechanisms inside the bag.
Upon learning of the search, J.C. Sambou reportedly presented himself voluntarily at a military camp, appearing to surrender.
Detailed confessions and admissions
During his initial arrest, prosecutors said Sambou made detailed confessions about his past involvement with the Casamance rebellion. He admitted to joining the MFDC in 2002 and claimed to have worked alongside prominent rebel figures, including César Atoute Badiate and Salif Sadio.
He also described himself as a trusted associate of rebel commander Paul Aloukassine Bassène and provided details about the Kassolole base, which he said housed about 400 fighters.
Sambou told investigators he fled the rebel movement in 2015 after being suspected of spying for Badiate. He said he later reintegrated into civilian life, working in livestock breeding and horticulture.
However, in a dramatic reversal before the court, Sambou denied all the allegations, retracting his earlier statements.
Prosecutor Ousmane Ndiaye strongly criticized the retraction, describing the accused as a “soldier of death” attempting to mislead the court.
Defense lawyer Me Djiby Diagne, meanwhile, argued that his client was vulnerable and had sought to leave his past behind. He downplayed the weapons discovery, characterizing them as “old rusty arms” that posed no real threat.
The court has reserved its judgment in the case, with a verdict scheduled to be delivered on April 8.
