According to reliable sources close to the Department of Forestry (DoF), the department is set to undergo a significant staff reshuffling just one week after the dismissal of Lamin Bajo, the Regional Forestry Officer (RFO) for the Lower River Region (LRR). The shake-up comes amid ongoing DoF and Ministry of Environment tensions. These have fueled warning letters to multiple RFOs, the controversial appointment of a former military officer as Forestry Director, and a staff petition opposing the new leadership.
Insiders report that the reshuffling will replace all current RFOs with junior forestry officers across the country’s regions, effective this week. The outgoing RFOs—Ebrima Sanneh (North Bank Region), Yankuba Baryo (Central River Region South), Lamin Sawanneh (Central River Region North), Bakary Jarju (Upper River Region), and Alagie Sanyang (West Coast Region)—will be reassigned to either the main office or plantation head roles. Replacing them are Muhammed Dambelly, Ousman Sonko, Pierre Colley, Omar Sidibeh, Sissawo Sabally, and Simon Sarjo, who will take up RFO positions in CRR South, CRR North, NBR, URR, WCR, and LRR, respectively.
However, concerns have emerged over the qualifications of the newly promoted officers. A source familiar with the changes alleged that except for Omar Sidibeh, most of the appointees hold only essential forestry certificates from Kafuta Forestry Academy, falling short of the Bachelor of Science degree typically required for RFO positions.
The reshuffling extends beyond RFOs, with Ebrima Sarjo, Juwel Jallow, Haddy Jobe, and Samba Gaye—previously stationed in Jarra Soma, Bureng, and Manduar—also being reassigned. The Public Service Commission reportedly linked these individuals to recent investigations into Lamin Bajo.
Bajo’s dismissal on March 3, 2025, has sparked controversy. Sources claim he was unfairly targeted after defending the integrity of the DoF in a leaked audio circulated on the LRR Forestry WhatsApp platform. In the recording, Bajo denied allegations of corruption among RFOs, which reportedly led to a clash with Environment Minister Rohey John Manjang.
One source alleges that Ebrima Sarjo secretly forwarded the audio to the minister, triggering the Public Service Commission’s probe and Bajo’s subsequent ousting. “Lamin Bajo has been a victim of circumstances for standing by the principles of the forestry department,” the source asserted.
The DoF’s internal upheaval reflects broader discord with the Ministry of Environment, raising questions about leadership, transparency, and the future of forestry management in the country. As the reshuffling unfolds, all eyes remain on how these changes will impact the department’s operations and its strained relationship with the ministry.
