By Alieu Ceesay
Independent National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji and a senior figure in the Unite Movement for Change (UMM). Yahya Menteng Sanyang has spoken out following his brief detention by police at the Fadjikunda station over allegations of fraudulent birth certificates and voter registration.
Sanyang was summoned to the Fadjikunda police station on April 18 after complaints were lodged alleging attempts to register minors using questionable birth certificates at a local registration center in the Latrikunda area. Police cited evidence and witness testimonies in connection with the claims.
In his first public statement after the incident, Sanyang firmly denied any wrongdoing.
“I have not been charged with any crime because I have committed no crime. I was invited by the police for questioning regarding issues related to birth certificates,” he said. “These reports were made by members of the UDP residing in my constituency who, it seems, are in constant fear of my growing influence and commitment to the people of Latrikunda Sabiji.”
The lawmaker emphasized that he fully complied with the police invitation and cooperated throughout the process, which he described as lasting only a few hours.
He acknowledged assisting eligible citizens with voter registration for the upcoming 2026 presidential election and other polls, but insisted he only facilitated those with valid, legally approved documents.
“As I have always stated before, I will continue to facilitate the registration of Gambians who possess valid, legally approved documents so they can exercise their right to vote,” Sanyang said. “In doing so, I do not dictate where people should cast their ballots.”
He issued a strong denial of the core allegations: “Let me be very absolute and let me be very blunt. I have never procured a birth certificate. I have never worked in any production center, nor have I ever visited one. I have never signed a certificate, nor encouraged anyone else to do so. I do not even have the technical capacity to verify the authenticity of such documents.”
Sanyang was subsequently released on bail, subject to certain conditions. During his detention, supporters, particularly youth groups from his constituency, gathered at the police station to demand his immediate release and to demonstrate solidarity with the lawmaker.
Kemo Bojang, spokesperson for the UNITE Movement, addressed a press conference describing the development as “blatant injustice and political targeting” of Hon. Sanyang.
“We call on the authorities to act professionally, transparently, and without bias. The law must apply equally to all, regardless of political affiliation or status,” Bojang said. “UNITE remains committed to protecting democracy, defending the rights of all Gambians, and ensuring that no citizen or political movement is subjected to intimidation or politically motivated actions.”
Bojang added that officers at the Fadjikunda Police Station conducted themselves professionally during engagements with the party.
The movement issued a defiant message: “But let this be a warning to anyone attempting to intimidate us. UNITE will not be bullied, UNITE will not be silenced, and UNITE will not be stopped. We will contest these elections by God’s grace, and inshallah we will win.”
The case has drawn attention amid preparations for the December 2026 presidential election, with tensions rising between political actors in the Greater Banjul area. Police have indicated that investigations into the voter registration complaints remain ongoing.
Sanyang, who has been vocal in calling for political change in 2026, expressed gratitude to his constituents for their support and vowed to remain resolute in serving the people of Latrikunda Sabiji.
