Saikou Janko, Chairperson of the All Gambia Forestry Platform (AGFP), has called for swift legal action against a soldier and others implicated in the mass killing of vultures in Bwiam village, West Coast Region (WCR). The demand comes amid growing concerns over the slaughter of these endangered birds, allegedly for ritual purposes, as Gambia approaches its 2026/27 election cycle.
Janko, a prominent environmental advocate, urged Lieutenant General Mamat Cham, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), to expedite the prosecution of Lance Corporal Jallow Alieu, a serving soldier allegedly involved in the killings. “We strongly condemn the involvement of a soldier in the mass killing of vultures,” Janko said, speaking on behalf of the AGFP, the Anti Forest Fire Campaign Forum, and environmental sympathizers. “We respectfully request that Lance Corporal Jallow Alieu be brought to justice and face the full weight of the law.”
The AGFP commended the GAF’s prompt condemnation of the act and its initiation of an investigation. Janko emphasized that swift legal proceedings would reinforce the GAF’s zero-tolerance policy toward actions harming wildlife and serve as a deterrent. “This will demonstrate the GAF’s commitment to environmental protection and conservation,” he added.
The mass killings, reportedly driven by ritualistic motives, have raised alarm across Gambia, with vultures—a critical species for ecological balance—being poisoned and slaughtered in increasing numbers. Janko called on Inspector General of Police Seedy Muctarr Touray and the Director of Parks and Wildlife Management to launch a joint investigation into the killings. He stressed that no one, including marabouts allegedly orchestrating these acts, should be spared. “No religion, including Islam, condones the indiscriminate killing of wildlife, especially through poisoning for rituals,” Janko declared. “Any marabout involved must face prosecution.”
The environmental leader underscored the need for accountability, urging authorities to leave “no stone unturned” in their investigations. He condemned the killings as a “heinous crime” and called for a robust stance to ensure justice. “We want the IGP and the Wildlife Director to take a strong position in bringing perpetrators to book,” Janko said.
Janko also appealed to community leaders across Gambia to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities threatening the environment or wildlife to the police, forestry, or wildlife officials. “The protection of the environment and biodiversity is everybody’s business,” he said. “If we collaborate, we can bring environmental crimes to a stop.”
The killings in Bwiam are part of a broader wave of vulture slaughters across the country, raising fears about the loss of biodiversity and the cultural motivations behind the acts. Vultures, often misunderstood, play a vital role in ecosystems by scavenging carcasses, preventing disease spread, and maintaining ecological balance. Their decline could have far-reaching consequences for Gambia’s environment.
The AGFP’s call for action has resonated with environmental groups, who see the killings as a critical issue requiring immediate attention. Janko’s plea for community involvement highlights the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding Gambia’s natural heritage. As investigations unfold, the nation awaits decisive action from both the GAF and law enforcement to address this environmental crisis and hold those responsible accountable.
With Gambia’s elections on the horizon, the controversy surrounding the vulture killings adds urgency to the need for strong environmental governance. Janko’s leadership and the AGFP’s advocacy signal a growing movement to protect the country’s wildlife from exploitation and ensure that justice prevails in the face of ecological crimes.
