Sources close to the Department of Forestry (DoF) have revealed that Major Salifu Corr, former Commander of the Kanilai Military Post and a key figure under ex-president Yahya Jammeh, has been appointed as the new Director of Forestry, effective Monday, March 3, 2025. The move, confirmed by multiple insiders, also includes appointing other high-ranking military officers as Regional Forestry Directors (RFOs) across the country, replacing the current civilian leadership in a sweeping overhaul.
According to a source within the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNR), Major Corr’s appointment follows a period of tension between the Minister of Environment and DoF officials.
The insider alleges that the rift stems from disagreements over policy decisions, including the controversial degazettement of forest parks and reserves. Major Corr, once accused of authorizing ECOMOG forces to fire on Kanilai protesters in 2018, is reportedly being positioned to lead the department amid these disputes.
The shakeup extends beyond the top post. Effective March 3, 2025, other military officers will replace regional forestry directors nationwide.
Critics have raised concerns over the appointees’ lack of expertise in forestry management, with one source describing the move as an attempt to “gag and remote control” the department.
“These military officers have no knowledge or skills in managing forestry resources,” the source told TAT, warning that the decision could exacerbate the plunder of the country’s forests amid ongoing efforts to de-reserve parks for private business interests.
When contacted by TAT, Acting Director of Forestry Malang Jassey said he could neither confirm nor deny the appointments. “To date, we [DoF] have not received any official communication from the Public Service Commission (PSC) or the Public Management Office (PMO),” Jassey stated.
Major Salifu Corr similarly declined to confirm his appointment, promising to update TAT on Monday, March 3, 2025.
However, another source insisted the appointments were finalized as of March 1, 2025, with the new directors expected to assume their roles on Monday. The source urged the PSC and PMO to reconsider the decision, arguing that it jeopardizes the nation’s forest resources at a critical time.
The controversial appointments have sparked debate about the militarization of civilian institutions and the potential implications for environmental policy. With private businessmen reportedly eyeing forest parks and community forests, observers fear this move could pave the way for further exploitation of the country’s natural resources.
TAT will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.
