Reports reaching Gainako has it that former Daily Observer Managing Director Dr. Sajar Taal has died. He reportedly died of a prolonged illness and was flown to Dakar (Senegal) where he passed away. Dr. Taal was of recent a lecturer at the University of the Gambia. He served in many capacities in the Gambia civil service, most notably as Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Education.
Despite being regarded as a highly profiled intellectual with distinguished educational and civil service record, Dr. Taal was unfortunately tainted when he joined the APRC regime serving as Managing Director of the government Mouthpiece -the Daily Observer. His tenure at the observer was marked by controversy and he was allegedly implicated in the disappearance of young Gambian Journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh. Chief Manneh was allegedly reported by Dr. Taal to Gambia’s notorious National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in an attempt to save his job when the young journalist led efforts to republish a controversial article about the Jammeh regime.
Dr. Taal repeatedly denied having anything to do or any knowledge of Chief Manneh’s disappearance. However, private sources close to Mr. Taal had it that he regretted having to report Chief Manneh to the authorities expressing shock that he never expected the case to lead to the disappearance of the young man. He was eventually fired from Daily Observer without cause.
Dr. Taal’s case is an unfortunate situation. It is where a highly regarded Gambian intellectual who have had a distinguished record in the civil service and in serving their nation is used by the Jammeh regime only to be dumped and rendered worthless. It is difficult for Gambians to celebrate the life of many citizens like Dr. Taal who for one reason or another allow themselves to be used as tools to help strengthen the reign of the ruthless dictator against their fellow citizens.
In any case, Dr. Taal was a father, a grand father and a citizen who in one way or another served his country. His passing is a huge loss to his family and friends. A source that spoke to Gainako recalled Dr. Taal as former defiant activist, a Kent (Banjul) activist who by all respect is from a good Gambian family. It is hoped that he was able to confide in someone about his knowledge of Chief Manneh’s disappearance, and that that will forever be part of his legacy… May his soul rest in peace!