By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Department of Forestry (DoF) faces growing criticism over the prolonged impoundment of 23 vehicles at the Kafuta Forestry Academy, with no legal proceedings initiated against the drivers for over seven months. Timber dealers, drivers, and transport union members have labeled the detentions as “illegal” and “unjustifiable,” citing violations of the Forest Act, which mandates prosecution within 14 days.
The Timber Dealers Association (TDA) and the Gambia Transport Union have voiced frustration over the DoF’s inaction, which severely impacts vehicle owners and their families. The vehicles allegedly transporting illegally acquired timber have been held without trial, prompting accusations of unfair treatment and economic hardship.
Maiga Sowe, Vice President of the TDA, expressed dismay at the situation. “We have no issue with the DoF impounding vehicles for forest offenses, but detaining them for over seven months without legal action is unfair and unjust,” Sowe said. He highlighted the ripple effects on owners and drivers, who struggle to meet basic needs like food, shelter, medical bills, and school fees. “These vehicles belong to Gambians, and keeping them detained creates more trouble for their families,” he added.
Sowe noted that repeated engagements with DoF officials, including Director Lt. Col. Salifu Corr, have yielded no resolution. “All efforts to reach an agreement have been futile, while the vehicles continue to languish at Kafuta,” he said, urging the DoF to either prosecute the offenders or release the vehicles.
Omar Futi Sanyang, TDA’s Public Relations Officer, echoed these concerns, calling the prolonged detentions “totally unfair.” He criticized the DoF for failing to investigate or prosecute within a reasonable timeframe. “Seven months is too long to hold vehicles without court action. The DoF must act swiftly to avoid further hardship for owners and drivers,” Sanyang said. He added that multiple meetings with forestry officials have been fruitless, with the DoF citing ongoing investigations as the reason for the delay.
A forestry expert, speaking to The Alkamba Times (TAT) on condition of anonymity, supported the TDA’s claims, asserting that the Forest Act does not permit vehicle impoundment beyond 14 days. “The law allows the DoF to seize illegally acquired forest products and prosecute drivers, not to hold vehicles indefinitely,” the expert said. They called on the Ministry of Environment and the DoF to release the vehicles, seize any illegal timber, and pursue legal action against the drivers involved.
When contacted, Lt. Col. Salifu Corr, DoF Director, declined to comment and referred inquiries to Sulayman Jagne, the DoF’s Media and Communication Officer. Jagne defended the prolonged detentions, stating that investigations are ongoing to establish vehicle ownership and the source of the seized timber. He claimed that prosecution has begun, with two drivers already appearing in court. However, when pressed to cite any section of the Forest Act justifying the impoundments, Jagne could not provide a reference.
Jagne also rejected claims of inadequate investigative capacity, insisting that the complexity of the cases requires time beyond the 14-day timeframe outlined in the 2018 Forest Act. “We cannot rush the investigation,” he said, maintaining that the DoF is acting within its mandate.
The ongoing standoff has sparked broader concerns about transparency and accountability within the DoF. For vehicle owners and drivers, the prolonged impoundments represent a financial burden and a perceived injustice. As the TDA and affected parties continue to demand action, the DoF faces mounting pressure to comply with the Forest Act and resolve the issue promptly.
The situation remains unresolved, with the vehicles still parked at Kafuta Forestry Academy. This leaves families in limbo and raises questions about the DoF’s adherence to legal standards.
