While several other troops continue to face accusations, the Gambian government said on Thursday that three soldiers who had been accused of treason in connection with a coup attempt that allegedly occurred last month had been released.
The government released Captain Ebrima Baldeh, 2nd Lieutenant Omar M. Colly, and Corporal Bakary Njie from detention after clearing them of any blame for the attempt.
However, the High Court in Banjul heard further accusations against four additional soldiers and a police officer who were also said to have taken part in the revolt attempt.
Lance The following individuals were charged with treason, concealing treason, conspiracy, and inciting mutiny, according to the statement: Corporal Sana Fadera, Petty Officer Gibril Darboe, Corporal Ebrima Sanno, Corporal Omar Njie, and Police Sub-Inspector Fakebba Jawara.
Before the case was referred to the higher court, the suspects had previously faced charges from the Banjul Magistrate’s Court.
On December 21, the government declared that it had arrested members of the security forces and thwarted a coup attempt the day before.
After 22 years of a dictatorship under the former president of Gambia Yahya Jammeh, it was a worrying occurrence for the precarious West African democracy.
Former minister of presidential affairs under Jammeh and opposition lawmaker Momodou Sabally were both detained and ultimately freed.
Despite being defeated by political outsider Adama Barrow in the December 2016 presidential election, Jammeh fled to Equatorial Guinea and is still a powerful figure at home. After Barrow was elected to a second five-year term in December 2021, a coup attempt was made.
National security adviser Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng said the plotters aimed to “arrest cabinet ministers and senior government officials to use them as hostages to prevent any foreign intervention.”
“They also had plans to retire all senior military officers from the rank of major and above and restructure” the army, he told reporters in the capital, Banjul.
Lamin Jadama of the Gambian navy, a fifth military member suspected of taking part in the coup attempt, is still “at large,” according to the administration, which also noted that Interpol had issued a red alert for his arrest and extradition.
The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission for the nation, established following Jammeh’s overthrow, suggested that the government reform the security system.
International allies of The Gambia have also exhorted Barrow to move forward with democratic changes, such as an overhaul of the security apparatus.