By Staff Writer
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Mamat O. A. Cham, has reportedly resigned from his position, according to information received by Kerr Fatou.
The reported resignation follows a series of investigative reports published by Kerr Fatou and Whats-On Gambia, detailing multiple allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and unethical conduct leveled against the country’s top military officer.
Central to the unfolding controversy are claims made by Sergeant Modou Saine, a former personal assistant to Lt. Gen. Cham, who has come forward as a whistleblower following what he described as a breakdown in their once close professional relationship.
In extensive interviews, Sgt. Saine alleged that Lt. Gen. Cham was involved in the systematic undervaluation and acquisition of boats seized by the Gambia Navy, many of which were reportedly linked to irregular migrant transport operations. According to Saine, the vessels were deliberately assigned low reserve prices prior to auction, enabling the CDS to acquire them at a fraction of their value, with outstanding balances allegedly left unpaid.
He further claimed that the boats were subsequently refurbished, registered under Lt. Gen. Cham’s name with the Gambia Maritime Administration, and deployed for private commercial fishing—actions that, if substantiated, could contravene military regulations prohibiting conflicts of interest.
Kerr Fatou reviewed WhatsApp exchanges purportedly between Sgt. Saine and a contact saved as “CDS,” in which logistical coordination involving boats and engines was discussed. While the authenticity of the number has not been independently verified, the messages appear to reference official processes tied to the acquisition of naval assets.
Additional allegations include the alleged diversion of a tractor initially procured for the Gambia Armed Forces. Saine claims the equipment was sourced through a foreign businessman under the pretext of military use, but was later re-documented and registered in Lt. Gen. Cham’s personal name. He further alleged that he was instructed to clear the tractor at the Port of Banjul and deliver it to a private residence linked to the CDS.
In a separate claim, Saine accused Lt. Gen. Cham of facilitating the inclusion of his son, reportedly underage at the time, in a Moroccan military training program by allegedly backdating enlistment documents. The allegation raises serious concerns about recruitment integrity and fairness in the allocation of international training opportunities.
Saine also detailed a land transaction in Jigimar, in which he alleged that a military vehicle was used as payment for a private land purchase after cash payments were reportedly not completed. Documentation reviewed by Kerr Fatou indicates that a property measuring over 11,000 square meters was transferred to Lt. Gen. Cham.
The allegations, which remain unverified, have not been publicly addressed by Lt. Gen. Cham or the Gambia Armed Forces at the time of publication.
If confirmed, the claims could have far-reaching implications for accountability, procurement processes, and governance within the military establishment.
The reported resignation of Lt. Gen. Cham marks a significant development in the saga, though no official statement has yet been issued by the government or the Gambia Armed Forces confirming his departure or outlining the circumstances surrounding it.
When contacted by phone to verify reports of his alleged resignation, the CDS told our reporter that he had seen our publications and then abruptly ended the call. He neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
Observers say the situation underscores the urgent need for transparent investigations and institutional reforms to safeguard public trust in the country’s defence leadership.
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