Gambia has announced the arrest of former military officer Abdoulie Sanyang following statements deemed sensitive to national security and strong accusations against President Adama Barrow.
Sanyang was detained on Sunday, 17 August 2025, between 21:00 and 22:00 at Banjul International Airport by airport security agents, based on his flight manifest.
The arrest comes days after an interview with journalist Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio, in which Sanyang made serious allegations against President Barrow and his government. During the broadcast, he claimed that the 2021 presidential election, which secured Barrow’s second term, had been rigged.
He alleged that non-Gambians had received voter cards to influence the results and accused diplomat Cheikh Omar Faye of facilitating the illegal registration of foreigners.
Sanyang also held the state responsible for the Sukuta-Jabang traffic fire, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers. He further stated, “we have our intelligence and we are waiting for the last day,” urging President Barrow to hand over power “in peace and harmony.”
When reminded by Peter Gomez that the matter is currently before the courts, Sanyang dismissed the judicial process, saying, “the court is only wasting time…”
Following his initial detention at the airport police station, Sanyang was transferred to the Criminal Intelligence and Interpol Bureau for routine checks. He is now held at Brusubi Police Station under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
The arrest has drawn attention across the country as questions emerge over the handling of politically sensitive statements and the implications for freedom of expression in Gambia. Government officials have not provided a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation.
About The Author
