By Omar Bah
Alleged Jungler Sanna Manjang has been hauled before a military court in Banjul to face desertion charges. Manjang, accused of being a leading member of former president Yahya Jammeh’s death squad, appeared yesterday at the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess at Fajara Barracks, where his court martial commenced.
He faces a charge of desertion under Section 53(1)(a) of the Gambia Armed Forces Act, Cap 19:01.
According to the charge sheet, Manjang absented himself from his duty post at the State Guards Battalion in Banjul on or about January 21, 2017 — when Jammeh was forced into exile — and remained absent for nine continuous years with intent to desert.
Manjang was arrested on November 29, 2025 in Senegal’s Casamance region.
The Gambia Armed Forces said he was a senior member of the group known as the “Junglers” implicated in serious human rights violations under Jammeh’s two-decade dictatorship.
The General Court Martial is presided over by a panel of senior officers led by Colonel Ousman Bah as President, with Justice Omar Cham as Judge Advocate.
The Director of Public Prosecutions AM Yusuph and a team of GAF lawyers are prosecuting.
The accused has been provided with defending officers, but may choose his own counsel.
Proceedings have been declared open to the media and public.
GAF said the court martial underscores its commitment to justice, accountability, protection of fundamental rights and respect for rule of law.