By: Foday Manneh
The National Security Adviser of the government of The Gambia, Mr. Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, has revealed some of the operational plans drawn by the alleged December 20 coup plotters.
The newly appointed security adviser spoke to reporters during a press briefing and situational update to Gambians and residents on the current security situation amid the alleged foiled coup plotted against the Barrow government on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.
“The said plan showed the composition of formations to participate, the required deployment strength, tasking, and positioning to forcefully takeover the State House and prevent any intervention,” Mr. Jeng revealed.
“The plan shows other key locations to be taken over and occupied, including Denton Bridge, the Bund Road-Banjul highway intersection, Arch 22, NAWEC Power Station at Kotu, radio stations, the Abuko Earth Station, the airport, as well as sealing off ECOMIG troops,” he told Journalists at a news conference in Banjul.
Jeng further disclosed that the Gambia’s Naval Base in Banjul was identified to be the launching platform with accomplices from the State Guard, Fajara barracks, Yundum barracks, and other battalions across the country.
He added, “the coup plotters also intended to use media propaganda to promote their takeover, arrest Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials and use them as hostages to prevent any foreign intervention.
According to Jeng, it has been established that the alleged coup plotters made contacts and held secret meetings in some places identified within the country as they were planning the coup plot.
“Reports are pointing to the suspected involvement of sponsors for the coup plot from civilian collaborators both within and outside the country,” Jeng said.
The government has announced the launch of a joint investigation panel to investigate the alleged coup plot to topple the government foiled two weeks ago.
The panel, which includes various security apparatuses and the Ministry of Justice, has 30 days to submit their report after their probes.
Meanwhile, the government has announced the arrest of seven (7) members of the alleged coup plot who are currently under custody and believed to be helping ongoing investigations.
