Former Gambian Soldier Sanna Manjang Testifies on Military Service and Assault Charges

Former Gambia Armed Forces officer Sanna Manjang appeared before the High Court in Banjul to open his defence, taking the witness stand and recounting his military career. He described enlisting in 1994, training at Fajara Barracks, promotion to corporal, a three‑month commando course in Libya, and his later role leading border‑patrol operations along the southern frontier, including a rescue of seven civilians seized by Casamance rebels.

The State has dropped murder charges, leaving two counts of assault. The defence withdrew a bail application after the State’s opposing affidavit was served too late for a response, and the court struck the application from the record. Prosecutors allege Manjang deserted the army in 2017, was absent for nine years, and was returned through a joint Gambian‑Senegalese operation, arguing he poses a flight‑risk.