Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Gambia Armed Forces has announced the passing of Brigadier General Bora Colley, who died on 9 March 2025 while in state custody. His death comes nearly seven months after his return to The Gambia from self-imposed exile in Guinea-Bissau.

Colley, a former close ally of ex-President Yahya Jammeh, had voluntarily returned to the country on 9 August 2024, citing deteriorating health conditions. Prior to his return, he had spent eight years in exile, moving between Guinea-Bissau, Casamance, and the Middle East.

Following his arrival, he was taken into state custody due to his alleged involvement in human rights violations during Jammeh’s rule.

The Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) had recommended his prosecution for the killing and torture of victims at multiple detention sites in The Gambia.

While detained, his medical condition was monitored and treated by state medical personnel. Despite these efforts, he succumbed to his long-standing illness.

Inquest Ordered into Cause of Death

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice has formally applied to the Chief Justice for an inquest under The Gambia’s Coroner’s Act to determine the exact cause of Colley’s death while in custody.

According to Section 6(1) of the Act, a coroner must be notified and conduct an inquiry whenever a person dies in police custody or under state supervision.

A Controversial Figure With a History of an Ailing Condition Since 2014

Brigadier General Colley was a key figure in Jammeh’s security apparatus, serving as Director of Prisons, where numerous human rights abuses were reported. The TRRC extensively documented his alleged role in extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and acts of torture, primarily carried out by the notorious ‘Junglers’ hit squad.

His notoriety led to his arrest in Senegal after the fall of dictator Yahya Jammeh in January 2017. Gen. Colley was arrested at the Mpack border checkpoint in Ziguinchor while attempting to cross into Guinea-Bissau.

However, due to his worsening health, Senegalese authorities released him, fearing he would become a liability in an already tense regional security climate. He later joined other fugitive Junglers in Guinea-Bissau.

His lawyer at the time, Hélène Cissé, had argued that his medical condition had been deteriorating since 2012, significantly impacting his professional and personal life. She claimed that he had sought medical treatment at The Gambia’s Souleyman Junkung Jammeh General Hospital in Bwiam just before attempting to flee.

Government’s Commitment to TRRC Recommendations

The Gambia Armed Forces has reiterated its commitment to prosecuting cases arising from the TRRC recommendations as outlined in its White Paper. Colley’s death adds another layer of complexity to The Gambia’s transitional justice process, which seeks to provide accountability for crimes committed under Jammeh’s rule.

The Gambia Armed Forces has extended its condolences to Colley’s family, while the pending inquest is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding his passing.