Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – On Friday, August 9, 2024, ex-Brigadier General Bora Colley, a former senior officer of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) and an alleged member of the notorious Junglers unit, voluntarily surrendered to military authorities after years on the run. Brigadier General Colley, who fled the country in January 2017 following the departure of former President Yahya Jammeh, had been living abroad until his recent return to The Gambia.

Speaking to QTV, Colonel Lamin K. Sanyang, the Public Relations Officer of GAF, confirmed the arrest and provided details of the subsequent steps taken by the authorities. According to Colonel Sanyang, the case has been escalated to higher authorities, who have ordered the formation of a joint investigation panel. This panel will include representatives from the Gambia Armed Forces, the State Intelligence Services, the Gambia Police Force, the Ministry of Justice, and other security agencies.

As part of the protocol, Colley was subjected to a medical examination to ensure his well-being, and it was confirmed that he is in stable condition, with no immediate need for medical admission.

Colonel Sanyang emphasized that Colley’s human rights and privileges will be fully respected in accordance with international human rights law. He assured the public that Colley would receive a fair hearing and trial, reiterating the principle that he is innocent until proven guilty.

Colley’s arrest marks a significant development in The Gambia’s ongoing efforts to address crimes and human rights violations committed during the Jammeh era. The Junglers, of which Colley is an alleged member, were a paramilitary unit accused of carrying out extrajudicial killings, torture, and other serious crimes under the orders of former President Jammeh. The forthcoming investigation is expected to shed more light on Colley’s involvement in these activities.