Honorable Serign Modou Njie, Minister of Defence
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Defense Minister, Honorable Serign Modou Njie, appeared before the National Assembly on Wednesday to provide an update on the investigations into an alleged theft at the former residence of ex-President Yahya AJJ Jammeh in Kanilai.
During the session, Honorable Almami Gibba, the member for Foni Kansala, requested the Defense Minister to inform the Assembly about the progress of the investigation into the reported theft at the Fourth Infantry Battalion on September 20, 2023.
The incident reportedly occurred at the residence of former President Yahya AJJ Jammeh in Kanilai, resulting in the disappearance of items including a large mattress, nine medium-sized TV screens, two washing machines, three deep freezers, 10 dining chairs, and all VIP suits (coats), despite the premises now functioning as a military barrack with guard posts.
In response, the Defense Minister stated that the Ministry of Defense had instructed the Gambia Armed Forces High Command to establish a board of inquiry to investigate the matter thoroughly. He assured the Assembly that once the board concludes its findings, the report will be presented to Parliament.
“In the case of the alleged theft at the residence of the former president in Kanilai, my ministry has instructed the Gambia armed forces high command to convene a board of inquiry to investigate the matter. Once the board concludes its findings, the report will be shared with this August assembly,” he told the Assembly.
In his follow-up questions, Honourable Gibba inquired about the duration required for the military to complete its investigation, considering the theft happened five to six months ago.
In reply, the minister outlined that the timeline for the board of inquiry to reach its conclusions depends on the scope of its investigation. He expressed confidence that the board might seek the honorable member’s cooperation to gather pertinent information for the ongoing inquiries.
Additionally, the NAM for Foni Kansala questioned the minister regarding the plausibility of theft transpiring at the residence of the former president, given its robust security manned by the Gambia armed forces personnel.
“The honourable member himself informed me of this alleged theft that occurred at the former president’s residence in Kanilai. Immediately, my ministry decided to instruct the Gambia armed forces command to look into these circumstances. I would kindly ask the honourable member to wait patiently until the conclusion of the inquiry is done, and that report will be shared,” the minister responded.
Honorable Lamin Ceesay, the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Kiang West, inquired whether the minister was confirming to the assembly that the alleged theft had indeed occurred on those well-guarded premises.
In response, the minister clarified that he was not confirming anything. He emphasized that the incident was an alleged theft that had been reported, and the board was actively working to establish the truthfulness of this allegation.
Honorable Omar Jammeh, the member representing Janjanbureh, raised a valid point. Considering that the ex-president’s premises were secured by the military (specifically the Gambia Armed Forces), he questioned whether it would be prudent to have the Gambian Armed Forces lead the investigations.
Minister Njie responded by stating that the board had already been formed, and its members were being drawn from various institutions. Any relevant member could be co-opted into the board if necessary to provide information.