By Adama Makasuba, edited by Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
Two Generals of the Gambia Armed Forces have been acquitted by a court-martial on Monday. Brigadier General Umpa Mendy and Ansumana Tamba were arrested on January 21st, 2018 upon their return from Equatorial Guinea.
The two Military Generals had accompanied former president Yahya Jammeh after an agreement was reached for his exile to Equatorial Guinea in January 2017 after ECOMIG Forces took control of the country to effect the transition of power to President Adama Barrow.
The two Generals were facing single count charges of desertion contrary to the laws of the armed forces. “The desertion charge of Brigadier General Umpa Mendy and Ansumana Tamba was brought pursuant to section 53 of the (GAF) Act. In view of the fact, we found Brigadier General Umpa Mendy and Brigadier General Ansumana Tamba not guilty of the charge,” the President of the court-martial delivered.
Meanwhile, the state called six witnesses and tendered eight exhibits but the defense made no case to answer to the submissions which was rejected by the court.
Announcing the verdict by the judge presiding over the case, Aminata Saho-Ceesay said “conclusion was made unanimously. We have found the two accused not guilty of subject to confirmation and we have arrived to the conclusion that this court is closed.”
In presenting their defense, the Generals explained the circumstances leading up to them leaving the country with former President Yahya Jammeh to Equatorial Guinea. The duo detailed how they were identified by General Saul Badjie to accompany former President Yahya Jammeh.
Meanwhile, speaking to the defense lawyer after the verdict, Commodore Madani Senghore said “it is refreshing that we can still expect that justice be done and we see justice done.” For Commodore Senghore the judgment came at the right time, adding that “in any case I don’t think there is any blame on anybody for that it is the justice of the time.”
After the verdict was announced, General Ansumana Tamba said “I feel very much happy and I appreciate everybody and I thank everybody”, adding that he is ever wiling and ready to serve his country.