Army Officer Testifies Before National Assembly Committee on Custody of Vehicles at MSA

By Fatou Sillah

Adama Jagne, Commanding Officer of the former Mechanical Services Agency (now the State Guard Workshop), appeared before the National Assembly Select Committee to provide testimony on the custody and management of vehicles and assets stored at the facility following a recent operational impasse.

Jagne told the committee that he had been placed in charge of the premises with clear instructions to safeguard all vehicles and equipment housed there. He said he was briefed by Saidybah, Head of the Vehicle Control Office, who informed him that a full inventory of the assets had been completed and that nothing was to be removed or lost.

“I was told that vehicles on the other end were meant to be auctioned,” Jagne stated.

He further explained that the assets fell into four main categories: government vehicles scheduled for auction, large vehicles associated with the former president, tractors, and other equipment previously owned by the former president.

Jagne clarified that while he was physically present at the Mechanical Services Agency facility, overall oversight rested with the Vehicle Control Office under Saidybah. He added that he worked closely with Commissioner Darboe, commander of the Kanifing unit of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), and that they regularly consulted each other on operational matters.

“The instruction given to me was to take care of the vehicles and properties because they are government properties that were meant to be sold, but the sale did not happen,” he said.

The proceedings were briefly paused when it was noted that Jagne appeared before the committee carrying a firearm. The committee instructed him to secure the weapon in line with standing orders that prohibit arms in committee chambers, advising him not to bring it inside in the future.

The committee also noted inconsistencies in Jagne’s testimony and stressed the importance of providing precise and accurate information, urging him to clarify his statements.