By Fatou Sillah
Former diplomat and presidential aspirant Essa Bokarr Sey has commended former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Mamat O. Cham, for stepping down following corruption allegations, describing the move as honourable and necessary to ensure a credible investigation.
Sey said the resignation removes potential concerns about the influence of the office on any investigative process, thereby allowing for a more transparent and impartial inquiry.
“One thing I support his idea on is that at least he is out so that if investigations are to be conducted, you will not say, call the CDS. The panel will be there, and some people will be under him. I think he should be commended for that,” Sey stated.
He further emphasized that Cham’s decision to resign demonstrates a level of integrity that deserves recognition. “Let’s give him the credit that he is honourable enough to resign,” he added.
Sey also called for a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation into the allegations, stressing that such matters should not be ignored, particularly when they involve senior security officials.
“My recommendation is independent, impartial investigations. No stone should be left unturned; everything should be investigated, and when the investigation is to be done, the person doing it has to have the acumen to understand. Because investigating the military is not the same as investigating civilian institutions, one has to be cautious. It is delicate. It is about security,” he said.
He noted that investigations involving the military require a careful and informed approach due to their sensitive nature and implications for national security. “You cannot let this go like that because the ripple effect has to. It would be foolish to just say, “Well, they are just allegations,” Sey explained.
While acknowledging the need for caution, Sey maintained that the allegations must be fully addressed. “You cannot let this go unexamined. It would be unwise to dismiss it as mere allegations, given the potential implications,” he concluded.
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