Bombshell at Gambia National Army: Army Chief Tamba Tumbles with 4 others
BY Ebrima G. Sankareh, Editor-In-Chief
The Dictator Vs. The General.
In an unprecedented move, The Gambia’s autocratic Head of state, Yahya Jammeh, apparently angered by decrepit living conditions of the soldiers at Yundum’s ill-fated Army barracks, has sacked the West African country’s army chief, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba. Major General Tamba tumbles with four others.
The four other senior military officers are: Major- Bore Badjie, Brigadier General Omar Bun Mbye, Major General- Demba Njie and Captain Lamin Fatty. All four have been sacked from their positions and dismissed from The Gambia Armed Forces with immediate effect. The high profile military sacking is effective today Friday, 9 October 2009. Captain Lamin Fatty was once among closest bodyguards to Edward David Singhateh who began his career in the military intelligence unit.
Meanwhile, General Masanneh Kinteh has been appointed as Chief of Defense Staff while General Yankuba Drammeh is the new Deputy Chief of Staff. However, since Masanneh Kinteh is overseas, reportedly on further training, Major Drammeh is Army Chief Protempore.
In another development, Major General Serigne Modou Njie is now the Republican Guard Commander, while Major Saikou Seckan heads the Training Unit of The Gambia Armed Forces. Major Ousman Badjie and Lamin Bojang have also been appointed to new positions that are subject to verification.
As we went to press, rumours are rife that Interior Minister Ousman Sonko may follow in the days to come. We also understand that at least, two senior NIA officers will be axed next week. While we cannot confirm at this stage, our sources hinted that Fisheries Minister Antouman Saho is being closely monitored given his close ties with axed General Tamba.