Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – A scandal involving theft and corruption has rocked the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) contingent assigned to protect Gambian President Adama Barrow, resulting in the expulsion and dismissal of two high-ranking Senegalese gendarmes from the elite unit.

According to the Senegalese daily L’Observateur, the two officers—identified as I. Diop, who served as President Barrow’s chief of security, and Senghor, the store manager at the presidential palace—were accused of systematically diverting food supplies intended for the presidency and reselling them on the local market.

Both officers were repatriated to Senegal and dismissed from the Gendarmerie, with Senghor reportedly being struck off in January 2025, followed by Diop in March.

The scandal reportedly came to light when foodstuffs earmarked for the Gambian presidency began appearing in local markets.

Following an investigation prompted by Gambian authorities, it was confirmed that the products originated from the presidential palace and had been siphoned off and sold illicitly.

While Diop has denied involvement, Senghor confessed to the fraudulent withdrawals, allegedly carried out on instructions from Diop. The investigation by Senegalese authorities established the link between the officers and local traders, confirming the illicit sales.

The fallout has raised concerns over the integrity and oversight of foreign security personnel deployed to protect high-level state officials. Diop has appealed his dismissal to the Senegalese Supreme Court.

The GIGN has been deployed in The Gambia since 2017 as part of a regional security arrangement to safeguard President Barrow following the political crisis that ended the 22-year rule of Yahya Jammeh. The latest developments are likely to prompt calls for greater scrutiny of the arrangement and tighter internal controls.