Former Gambian ‘Junglers’ Leader Faces Military Trial
Sanna Manjang, former commander of the Gambian Junglers paramilitary unit, has been brought to a military court in Banjul to face desertion charges after fleeing the country in 2017. The case follows the end of Yahya Jammeh’s 20‑year rule and the establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Repar…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a courtroom in Banjul on January 15, 2025, Sanna Manjang stood before a military judge to answer accusations of desertion. The former commander of the Junglers, a paramilitary group that operated alongside the Gambian army, fled the country in 2017 after President Yahya Jammeh’s 20‑year reign ended. His return to The Gambia and subsequent trial are part of a broader push for accountability following the former president’s departure.
Who is Sanna Manjang and What Were the Junglers?
Manjang rose to prominence as the head of the Junglers, a unit that was officially part of the Gambian armed forces but operated with a high degree of autonomy. The Junglers were notorious for their brutal tactics, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and intimidation of political opponents. The United Nations repeatedly cited the group for human rights violations, labeling them a “death squad” in several reports.
During Jammeh’s rule, the Junglers were implicated in numerous violent incidents, most notably the 2004 murder of AFP journalist Deyda Hydara. Manjang was charged with four counts of murder, including Hydara’s death, but those charges were dropped in July after the Gambian government struggled to locate witnesses, many of whom were alleged former Junglers.
The 2017 Desertion and Return to The Gambia
When Jammeh was forced into exile in 2016 following a contested election, Manjang fled to Senegal in 2017. He was arrested by Senegalese authorities in November of that year and repatriated to The Gambia a month later. The Gambian military court now alleges that Manjang was absent from the armed forces for a continuous period of nine years with the intention of deserting.
His appearance in court comes after the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) released findings that between 240 and 250 people were killed by state forces during Jammeh’s tenure. The TRRC also documented widespread extrajudicial killings, torture, kidnappings, and witch hunts. The commission’s work has led to the prosecution of several former regime officials abroad, with some Junglers receiving sentences in Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.
Current Legal Proceedings and Unresolved Issues
In addition to the desertion charge, Manjang faces a separate assault case involving two men. While the murder charges were dropped, the assault allegations remain active. The trial is ongoing, and it is unclear how the court will weigh the evidence or what sentence might result.
Key questions remain: Will the military court consider the broader context of the TRRC findings? How will the Gambian justice system handle cases involving alleged war crimes and human rights abuses from the Jammeh era? The outcome of Manjang’s trial could set a precedent for how The Gambia deals with former regime officials.
Why This Matters for The Gambia’s Future
Manjang’s trial is more than a legal proceeding; it is a symbolic step toward confronting a dark chapter in Gambian history. By holding former paramilitary leaders accountable, the country signals its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights. The case also reflects the broader regional trend of prosecuting individuals responsible for state-sponsored violence.
As The Gambia continues to build democratic institutions, the handling of cases like Manjang’s will influence public confidence in the justice system and the nation’s ability to move beyond past abuses.
For now, the trial remains a focal point of national attention, with observers watching closely to see whether the military court will deliver a verdict that aligns with the TRRC’s findings and the country’s aspirations for justice and reconciliation.
In the coming months, the Gambian judiciary will need to navigate complex legal and political terrain, balancing the demands of justice with the realities of limited resources and international scrutiny. The resolution of Manjang’s case will likely shape the trajectory of The Gambia’s post‑Jammeh era.
Key facts
- Sanna Manjang, former Junglers commander, stands trial for desertion after fleeing in 2017
- The Junglers were a notorious paramilitary group linked to extrajudicial killings and torture
- The TRRC uncovered 240‑250 state‑related killings during Jammeh’s rule
- Manjang’s murder charges were dropped due to witness challenges, but assault charges remain
- The trial reflects The Gambia’s broader push for justice and reconciliation post‑Jammeh
Why it matters
Manjang’s trial represents a critical test of The Gambia’s commitment to accountability for the abuses committed during Yahya Jammeh’s rule, potentially setting a precedent for how former regime officials are prosecuted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission?
The TRRC is a Gambian body established after Yahya Jammeh’s departure to investigate alleged crimes, including killings, torture, and kidnappings, during his 20‑year rule.
Why were Manjang’s murder charges dropped?
The charges were dropped in July because the Gambian authorities could not locate enough witnesses, many of whom were alleged former Junglers.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Former ‘death squad’ leader appears in military trial in The Gambia”
