Lieutenant Colonel Sanna Manjang, a former member of the alleged “Junglers” unit accused of involvement in torture and other human rights abuses during the aftermath of an alleged 2006 coup attempt, appeared before a General Court Martial at the Senior Officers’ Mess of the Guards Battalion in Fajara on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Manjang is charged with desertion under the Gambia Armed Forces Act.
According to the charge, Manjang allegedly left his duty post at the State Guards Battalion in Banjul on or about January 21, 2017, and remained absent for approximately nine years “with the intention of deserting.”
The alleged offense falls under Section 53(1)(a) of the Gambia Armed Forces Act, Cap. 19:01.
Manjang was apprehended on November 29, 2025, in the Casamance region of southern Senegal, where authorities say he had been living after leaving The Gambia.
In separate proceedings before the High Court in Banjul, Manjang is facing two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm.
The case, before Justice S.K. Jobarteh, stems from allegations that Manjang assaulted Tamsir Jasseh and military officer Yaya M.S. Darboe following the alleged March 2006 coup attempt led by former Chief of Defence Staff Ndure Cham.
Prosecutors have alleged that the two men were subjected to beatings and other forms of abuse, including the use of molten plastic, sacks and a winching method of torture. The alleged methods have previously been associated with accounts of abuses attributed to the Junglers, a unit linked to the government of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Manjang has pleaded not guilty to both assault charges. The prosecution has closed its case, and Manjang has begun presenting his defense, including testimony concerning his posting to Kanilai.
The General Court Martial is being heard by a panel of senior military officers headed by Colonel Ousman Bah, who serves as president of the panel. Justice Omar Cham is serving as judge advocate.
The prosecution is being led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, A.M. Yusuf, or his representatives, alongside a team of lawyers from the Gambia Armed Forces.
Manjang has been assigned a team of defending officers but has requested to be represented by a lawyer of his own choosing.
The Gambia Armed Forces said the court-martial proceedings are open to the media and members of the public.
In announcing the proceedings, the Armed Forces said the case reflects its commitment to “justice, accountability, protection of fundamental rights and respect for the rule of law.”
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