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Investigation on alleged theft at ex-president Jammeh’sKanilai house ongoing, says Defense Minister

By Binta Jaiteh

Honourable Sering Modou Njie, the Gambia Minister of Defense and Security has disclosed that there is an ongaoinginvestigation into the alleged theft at former President YahyaJammeh’s house in Kanilai.

Minister Njie disclosed this at the National Assembly before the lawmakers on Wednesday.

At the assembly process, Honorable Almamy Gibba, National Assembly Member from Foni Kansala asked the Minister to explain the situation of the alleged theft that occurred at the Fourth Infantry Battalion on 20th of September 2023 in the house of the former president of The Gambia, Alhaji Yahya AJJ Jammeh Babili Mansa in Kanilai, which he said resulted to the loss of one big mattress, one medium size TV screen, two washing machines, three deep freezers, 10 dining chairs, and all VIP suits (coats) despite that the resident is now a military barracks with guard post on both sides of the compound.

Responding to the question, Minister Njie replied that his Ministry became aware of the issue when the member sent the questions, so he, therefore, tasked the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) high command to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter and inform the Ministry of the outcomes.

“We shall share the outcomes with the assembly after the investigation,” the Minister informed the NAM.

Hon Gibba further asked the Minister, if the army furnishes them with information on time. The Minister replied “Yes” that they received information from the GAF army command on any situation that occurred.

Honourable Gibba went on that the house of the former president is now the Fourth Infantry Battalion while he asked if the Ministry has visited the place since the problem occurred.

The Minister replied that they hadn’t visited yet but the investigation was on.

However, Honourable Seedy Njie, the Deputy Speaker representing the NA Speaker reiterated that they have assigned officers of state to take charge and guide some premises, they must be equal to the task whether it will be forfeited by the state in the future or not.

“We cannot have a huge battalion guarding such a place and this big material got missing whether that facility or any other facility of state in the country that should be taken seriously,” he stated.

Hon Kebba Tumanding Sanneh, a lawmaker for Foni Jarrolasked rhetorically what is the importance of having security officers there when such theft happens.

Minister Njie asserted that the positioning of the Infantry Battalion of the GAF is way beyond only guarding the structures at the former President’s house.

The operational needs for the deployment of the battalion in the border corridor are essential and primarily to provide security and safety for the environment and the people living in the general area, he added.

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