By our Embedded Reporter in Banjul
The Family of Gambia’s fugitive and erstwhile Chief Of Defense Staff (CDS) Ndure Cham an alleged mastermind of the March 2006 abortive Coup has been in limbo following unofficial reports by a U.S based Gambian online newspaper thegambiaecho.com about his arrest by the Jammeh Government in Banjul on Friday August 9, 2013 while he joined his extended family near Farafenni to observe the Muslim Feast of Eid.
Following the online reports of Ndure Cham’s arrest Gainako received numerous calls to further investigate the authenticity of the story and shed more light to the story. Gainako immediately engaged its’ local sources in Banjul to investigate the story. Close family sources told a confidential source that since the news of Ndure’s arrest reach them, they been very confused and scared. They told our reporter’s source that they have attempted to call his cell phone in Dakar several times but it rings with no response. This has increased the family’s serious concerns and state of fear as they could not verify his whereabouts.
Another source closed to Ndure Cham’s family in Brikama confirmed to Gainako’s reporter that the family has indeed being trying to call him several times, but to no avail as he is not picking up his cell. He noted that the atmosphere at Ndure’s ex-wife’s home in Brikama appears calm but worrisome because the Government has not informed the family of his arrest and detention at the Mile II Central Prison. “As at now, I cannot give you any further details on this very confusing issue because rumors are just that and if I tell you any other thing, it would be premature” He however promised our reporter that any time he receives any information on the issue, he would not hesitate to pass on the information.
Meanwhile our sources with the intelligence agency, police, military and government sources have also told Gainako that they too heard the news but could not confirm if it is true of just a rumor. One police officer said he has tried to get information on the story but could not confirm the arrest. A Civilian Source closed to the National Intelligent Agency (NIA) also said he spoke to his close friends at the agency, but they have not heard any information of Ndure Cham’s arrest promising to update him anytime they verify the story.
Gainako also was reliably informed that Tamsir Jasseh former Director General of the Gambia Immigration who was convicted for his involvement on the said Coup has been calling Cham in Dakar as well but could not get him prompting him to contact the family in Banjul over the issue as he told them that he has read the news on one of the Gambian online papers.
While the story of the arrest of Ndure Cham by thegambiaecho.com appears credible, it has raised many questions. It is worth noting that the editor of the Gambiaecho has a credible reputation in reporting accurate news thus many people indeed believe the story. The story is the subject of discussion in almost every corner of the world prompting others to ask how naïve the former CDS would be to risk his life to visit his relatives in the provinces while his wife and children no longer live there. He must have made the dumbest mistake in his life if he indeed risk his life to do this opined a reader.
A close former military officer who now lives in the state of Washington who allegedly was in touched with Ndure Cham from 2006 to 2008 confirmed that the former CDS indeed used to brag about sneaking into Gambia without notice. The reliable contact with Mr. Cham added that he wouldn’t be surprise if Ndure Cham indeed did take the risk to visit gambia. He said Cham is callous and believes too much into Marabous who might deceive him that he can slip in and out of Banjul without notice.
Many social media commentators who were shocked of the news of the arrest suggested that there might be foul play involved as Jammeh may have paid Senegalese agents to kidnap the most wanted fugitive living in Senegal. Some even question whether Senegal may have compromised its territorial integrity by allegedly allowing Jammeh to come into their country and kidnap dissidents. The story continue to raise concern among Gambian dissidents with others cautioning that Gambians living in Senegal must be careful. Gainako will continue to investigate this story and bring the readers the facts about the case. One thing we are certain of, if Jammeh have net a high profile fugitive like Ndure Cham he would have not hesitated to pronounce it to public to instill more fear in his opponents. One close observer opined that Jammeh is employing more tactics as announcing Ndure Cham’s capture will only put more scrutiny on his government. Stay tuned and Gainako will bring you firsthand information on this subject. Our sources are hard at work and will have direct contact with Ndure Cham’s family.