Member of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh’s hit-squad, Junglers, Sanna Manjang, was handed over to Gambian authorities by Senegal on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
Under heavy armed security on Tuesday morning, the who has been implicated in heinous human rights violations, including torture, enforced disappearance, and killings, was arrested on Saturday, November 29, 2025 after fleeing the country for several year falling the fall of Jammeh’s dictatorship.
Officials hailed the exemplary cooperation between Senegal and The Gambia following the handover.
Madi Jobarteh, renowned human rights defender and Director of Edward Francis Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), stated that the capture of notorious jungler Sanna Manjang is a powerful reminder that no matter how long it takes, justice has a way of catching up.
He alleged that for years, Manjang killed, tortured, and maimed innocent Gambians and non-Gambians alike in the service of tyranny, yet today, after gaining nothing but misery, he sits in custody with no protection from the very man he served.
“What did it serve him to violate rights, abuse power and destroy lives, only to end up living in poverty, fear, and deprivation since 2016? What can Yaya Jammeh do for him today?” Jobarteh quizzed.
He said this is a lesson every public official must take seriously, adding that whether you are a minister, permanent secretary, police officer, soldier or civil servant, remember: There will always be a day of judgment.
“You may gain wealth, status or influence through corruption and brutality, but at what cost? For how long? To lose your soul, your dignity and eventually your freedom! Is that worth it?”
The outspoken right defender noted that what Sanna also tells us all is that no single individual has power, especially power over people. Power belongs to the people. It is derived from them and they can withdraw that power only to leave one tiny!
He emphasized that Public Service is a duty to the nation, not a licence to oppress or loot. Those who abuse office must understand that the Gambian people, the law and history will never forget. Serve the public interest, uphold human rights, and protect public resources because impunity never lasts forever.
He cautioned: “Let every official read this wall carefully. History is watching. Justice is patient. And accountability always comes.”
