Ex-Jammeh Death Squad Leader Pleads Not Guilty as Landmark Gambia Trial Opens

Ex-Jammeh Death Squad Leader Pleads Not Guilty in Historic Gambia Court Case

The Gambia has opened a landmark criminal trial against a former leader of the feared “Junglers” death squad, marking a critical step in the country’s long pursuit of justice for abuses committed during the rule of former president Yahya Jammeh.

The accused, Sanna Manjang, appeared before the High Court in Banjul and entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of murder. His plea sets the stage for one of the most significant domestic prosecutions linked to the Jammeh era.

For many Gambians, the trial represents a long-awaited opportunity to confront a painful chapter in the nation’s history.

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Serious Murder Charges Before the Court

Prosecutors allege that Manjang unlawfully killed two men in 2006 while serving as a senior operative in the Junglers unit. According to the charges, one victim was killed by having his throat slit, while the other died from a stab wound to the chest.

The court formally read the charges as Manjang stood before the judge. He denied all accusations and maintained his innocence. The trial will focus on establishing responsibility for these killings and determining whether the accused acted under orders or personal intent.

Legal observers say the case could influence how future prosecutions related to the Jammeh era unfold.

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Who Were the Junglers?

The Junglers were a secretive paramilitary group that operated under the direct authority of former president Yahya Jammeh, who ruled The Gambia for more than two decades. The unit functioned outside normal military structures and reportedly carried out executions, enforced disappearances, and acts of intimidation.

Over the years, victims, witnesses, and human rights investigators have linked the Junglers to numerous extrajudicial killings and violent abuses. Their operations created a climate of fear that silenced dissent and crushed political opposition.

For many families, the trial reopens wounds that have never fully healed.

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Justice After Years of Silence

Following Jammeh’s removal from power in 2017, The Gambia began a slow process of reckoning with past abuses. A national truth commission documented widespread violations and recommended criminal prosecutions for those most responsible.

However, progress toward accountability has been gradual. Many suspected perpetrators fled the country or remained beyond the reach of authorities for years.

Manjang’s arrest and trial therefore represent a major breakthrough in the justice process. It sends a signal that alleged perpetrators will no longer enjoy impunity.

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Arrest and Return to The Gambia

Manjang had lived in hiding outside the country for several years. Authorities eventually captured him in a neighbouring country and returned him to The Gambia late last year.

Following his extradition, security agencies placed him in custody as prosecutors prepared their case. His appearance in court marked the first time he publicly responded to the murder allegations.

The case has since drawn intense public attention, with many citizens closely following developments.

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What Comes Next in the Trial

After Manjang’s not guilty plea, the court adjourned the case to allow prosecutors to prepare witness testimony and evidence. The next hearing is scheduled for early February.

During upcoming sessions, the prosecution is expected to call witnesses, including former insiders and relatives of victims. The defence will also have an opportunity to challenge the evidence and present its case.

Legal experts say the proceedings will test the strength of The Gambia’s judicial system and its commitment to fair trials.

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A Test of Accountability and National Healing

For victims and human rights advocates, the trial represents more than a legal battle. It is part of a broader effort to restore trust in state institutions and acknowledge the suffering endured by citizens under authoritarian rule.

Many Gambians believe accountability is essential for national healing. They argue that confronting past crimes openly helps prevent future abuses and strengthens democratic values.

The case also carries symbolic weight, showing that justice can reach even those once protected by power.

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Conclusion

The opening of the trial against a former Junglers leader marks a defining moment in The Gambia’s post-dictatorship journey. While the outcome remains uncertain, the proceedings themselves signal progress toward accountability and the rule of law.

As the trial continues, the nation watches closely, hoping that justice will finally bring truth, closure, and a measure of healing after years of fear and silence.