Gambia Frees Jammeh Hitmen

Three hitmen of former President of The Gambia Yahya Jammeh have been released from custody. 

The individuals have previously testified regarding their crimes, including a number of killins, and the former president’s involvement in front of the Gambian Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and were members of the paramilitary unit the “Junglers”. The TRRC is investigating human rights violations committed during Jammeh’s time in office. 

Lt. Malick Jatta, Sgt. Omar Jallow, and Staff Sgt. Amadou Badjie were arrested in 2017, following the election of President Adama Barrow. Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou has defended their release, stating that it may encourage others to testify and that the commission is not able to act as a court of law but only to seek to uncover the truth. 

Their release comes as the broth of the former president, Ismaila Jammeh, testifies before the commission. Jammeh has denied witnessing junglers killing for his brother, but has admitted to witnessing act of torture. He also testified with regards to his involvement in the killing of State Guard Commander Almamo Manneh, telling the commission, "Almamo was my good senior man but in military when it comes to life, there is no friend."