Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Coordinator of the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations has voiced deep concern that Sanna Manjang—one of the most feared members of former President Yahya Jammeh’s paramilitary death squad—could avoid prosecution, echoing what victims say has become a familiar pattern of impunity.
In an interview with Kerr Fatou, the coordinator, Kebba Jome, said many survivors view Manjang as the “chief Jungler” and “the most wanted” among Jammeh’s alleged enforcers. He urged the government to move swiftly to charge him, arguing that his case cannot be treated like those of other Junglers who returned to the country and were later released.
“He was involved in most of the high-profile murders,” Jome said, listing the killings of Baba Jobe; Haruna Jammeh and his sister; Daba Marenah and several associates, Ebou Lowe, Mamud Ceesay; Dada Hydara; Mahawa Jammeh; and so many others.” Manjang’s arrest, he added, has brought a measure of relief to victims and advocacy groups nationwide.
“So him being arrested is welcome news to all the victims and the alliance of victim-led organizations across the country,” he said.
But that relief is tempered by anxiety. “Even though Sanna has been captured, the victims are worried about what comes next,” Jome said. “Is he going to be treated like a special case? Will he be detained and tried immediately, or will he walk free?”
Jome pointed to the precedent of Saul Badjie, believed to be the overall commander of the Junglers. Badjie was briefly detained upon his return to The Gambia but was later released, along with other former members of the hit squad.
The Ministry of Justice has said it is preparing a special prosecutor’s office to try Junglers, while former President Jammeh is expected to face a hybrid international court. But Jome noted that these structures are not yet in place—and victims fear the delay could weaken the prospects for accountability.
He noted that because the required legal processes have not yet been completed, it remains unclear what will ultimately happen. He added, however, that in Manjang’s case, they are seeking swift justice, arguing that his situation should not be treated like that of other former members of the “Junglers” who voluntarily testified before the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission.
“Even if the Special Prosecutor’s Office is not ready, Sanna’s atrocities are extensive—ranging from murder to torture,” he said. “I do not believe the government should wait for the prosecution office before acting in his case.”
He emphasized that Manjang is a wanted man already linked to substantial evidence. “Many people were killed under Sanna Manjang’s orders. He should face justice as soon as possible.”
He added that Manjang’s name was repeatedly and unfavorably cited before the TRRC as someone who issued orders for executions. What he finds most troubling, he said, is that Manjang has been living freely in Casamance for the past eight years.
“In fact, we understand that at one point his wife was pregnant and he entered the country for the naming ceremony,” he said. “He has been crossing in and out of the country for years. But as the saying goes, ninety-nine days for the thief, one day for the owner.”
On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Gambia Armed Forces confirmed that Sanna Manjang, a former member of the paramilitary hit squad known as the Junglers, is now in custody.
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