A heated political controversy has erupted in Nyangen Village, Niani District, Central River Region, after the Office of the Governor Ousman Bah formally retired the village Alkalo, Mr. Baboucarr Nyang, citing a breach of the Local Government Act.
In an official letter dated May 20, 2026, the Governor’s Office informed Mr. Nyang that his retirement from the position of Alkalo took effect on May 2, 2026. The reason given was that he does not reside in the village, in violation of Section 143, Subsection 1(b), of the Local Government Act, 2002.
The letter, copied to the Chief of Niani District, the Kuntaur Area Council CEO, and senior government officials, stated the decision was approved by the Minister for Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs.
The retirement has sparked sharp accusations of political motivation. The opposition UNITE Movement for Change (UMC) claims the move is part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting its supporters ahead of the nationwide voter registration exercise.
UMC spokesperson Kemo Bojang previously described the action as “a dangerous abuse of authority” and “a direct threat to the integrity of our democratic process.” According to the party, regional authorities, including the Governor and District Seyfo, temporarily confiscated the official village stamp because the Alkalo’s son, Mbye Nyan, is allegedly linked to UNITE.
