By Alieu Ceesay
A wave of sorrow swept through Besse on Tuesday as hundreds gathered to mourn the loss of Brigadier General Bora Colley, a former senior officer of the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF), who passed away in custody on March 9, 2025, after a prolonged illness. The burial ceremony, marked by an outpouring of grief, brought together community members, religious leaders, and serving GAF personnel to honor a man remembered as both a controversial figure and a devout Muslim.
Colley’s death comes years after he fled The Gambia in January 2017 alongside ex-President Yahya Jammeh, who sought exile in Equatorial Guinea following his 22-year authoritarian rule. Colley, implicated in the operations of the notorious Junglers—a paramilitary unit linked to extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances—evaded accountability until his surrender to GAF at Yundum Barracks.
Already in poor health at the time, he was dismissed from service and detained for investigation, as announced by the military.
The somber farewell in his home village saw tributes from those who knew him personally. “Bora was a good and peaceful Muslim. He worked tirelessly to connect family members and unite them, and he helped many of us,” one villager reflected, noting Colley’s contributions to local mosques. Nyakass Badjie, the head of Besse village, praised the general’s role in supporting community development projects, underscoring his lasting impact on the area.
Despite his local legacy, Colley’s military past remains contentious. A March 10 GAF press release reiterated that his detention stemmed from his alleged involvement in crimes documented by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which recommended his prosecution for human rights abuses. The statement detailed that Colley’s deteriorating health required ongoing medical attention while in custody, though efforts to sustain him ultimately failed.
No official cause of death has been confirmed, prompting the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to request an inquest under the Coroner’s Act. The investigation, to be overseen by the Chief Justice, aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding Colley’s passing while in GAF custody.
Former President Yahya Jammeh, through an executive member of his former ruling party, extended condolences to Colley’s family, joining the chorus of voices reflecting on the complex legacy of the late general.
The Gambian Armed Forces expressed sympathy to Colley’s loved ones while reaffirming its commitment to pursuing justice for atrocities outlined in the TRRC report. As the nation processes this loss, the forthcoming inquest promises to shed light on the final chapter of a life entwined with both service and scrutiny.
