Imam Bakawsu Fofana has denied reports claiming he was arrested in Guinea-Bissau for felling trees without authorisation.
Bakawsu Fofana, known for his outspoken sermons and influence among Gambian Muslims, has in recent days been the subject of online claims alleging that local authorities in Guinea-Bissau detained him for illegal logging.
The reports, widely shared on social media, suggested he had been taken into custody following complaints from villagers.
In a statement, Bakawsu Fofana described the claims as “false” and “fabricated by enemies”.
“The report circulating that I was arrested is not true. All those spreading the fake news are my enemies,” he said.
“I had requested permission from the authorities to fell some trees on my farm to make a bed. They agreed and granted my request.”
He explained that during the process, some individuals took photographs and alerted both the Guinea-Bissau government and the Gambian Embassy, which led to the matter being “blown out of proportion”.
“What they thought happened was never the case,” he said. “When I was contacted by the Gambian Embassy, we resolved the matter amicably. I am here on my farm.”
Bakawsu Fofana, who has in the past courted both praise and controversy in The Gambia for his religious teachings, has been living and farming in Guinea-Bissau for some time.
There has been no official comment from the Guinea-Bissau authorities or the Gambian embassy regarding the reported incident.
