Banjul, Gambia – Gambian authorities have announced the arrest of Sana Manjang, a key figure allegedly associated with the notorious “Junglers” hit squad linked to former President Yahya Jammeh. The arrest, confirmed by the Ministry of Information, took place in the Casamance region of southern Senegal.
According to the Ministry’s statement, Manjang had been at large since Jammeh’s defeat in the 2016 presidential elections to current President Adama Barrow. The operation, described as a coordinated effort between Gambian and Senegalese security forces, culminated in Manjang’s apprehension early Saturday morning.
“This arrest is the result of close cooperation between the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of Gambia,” the statement emphasized, highlighting the security coordination that led to Manjang’s capture after years on the run.
Manjang, a former presidential guard officer, is a prominent name featured in the testimonies before Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). He is accused of involvement in executions, torture, and enforced disappearances targeting political opponents and activists during Jammeh’s more than two-decade rule.
The Ministry of Information asserted that “the arrest of Manjang represents a significant step in the pursuit of justice and accountability for the victims of abuses committed under the former regime.” Gambia is reportedly working with Senegalese authorities to arrange for Manjang’s extradition to face trial.
The “Junglers” are alleged to have been responsible for a series of serious human rights violations during Jammeh’s tenure. Jammeh himself fled the country to exile in Equatorial Guinea after losing the 2016 elections. Gambian authorities are continuing their efforts to pursue those implicated in the alleged abuses of that era. DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
