By: Kebba AF Touray
The Gambia’s Defence Minister, Serign Modou Njie, has told the National Assembly that he is not aware of any contributions that the Gambia Government is making towards the upkeep of the ECOMIG Forces in the Gambia.
He said this while responding to a question put to him by a Parliamentarian on Wednesday, 13 March, 2024, during a question-and-answer session with the legislators.
Honourable Cham asked the Minister to state how much money the Government of the Gambia contributes annually towards the upkeep of the ECOMIG Forces since their coming into the country.
The Minister said, “I am not aware of any contribution that the Gambia Government is making towards the upkeep of the ECOMIG Forces in the Gambia. However, the Gambia is fully in compliance with the requirement of the ECOWAS Protocol on the community levy.”
Hon. Alimameh Gibba, Member for Foni Kansala Constituency, asked the Minister to update the assembly on the alleged theft case that occurred on the 20 September, 2023 in the Ex-President Jammeh’s house in Kanilai, resulting to lost of valuable items such as washing machines.
Minister Njie updated the assembly on the alleged theft in Kanilai at the former President’s house, saying ”my Ministry has instructed the Gambia Forces High Command to convene a board of inquiry to investigate the matter”.
He added that once the board concludes its finding, the report will be shared with the National Assembly.
Member for Janjanbure, Hon. Omar Jammeh, asked the Minister to state if it is wise to have personnel of the Gambia Armed Force (GAF) to lead the said investigation, considering the place is said to be guarded by the GAF personnel.
Minister Njie said: “The Board has been set up comprising members of the Armed Forces and members from different institutions to serve in the board. So, any member can be co-opted in the board if deemed necessary that they can provide information.”
Member for Busumbala, Hon. Muhammed Kanteh, asked the Minister to inform the assembly what stage they are at with the investigation into the said theft case, adding that it happened some months ago.
Defence Minister Njie stated that the board has already been constituted and they are now looking into the alleged theft case.
Honourable Gibba further asked the Minister to state the reason for rejecting Omar Sarjo’s reinstatement into the GAF after the Chief of Staff wrote an order for the payment of his wages from the date of his purported termination of service to the date of his reinstatement as ordered by the High Court order.
The Defence Minister replied: “I was told that a legal opinion was issued in the case of Omar Sarjo and the Armed Forces Command is currently reviewing those legal opinions.”
