The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) have firmly rejected media reports claiming that a Gambian colonel was arrested in Senegal as part of a major counterfeit currency operation, describing the allegations as a case of impersonation.
Senegalese authorities reported on February 18 that gendarmes in Kaolack arrested four suspects, including two foreign nationals, for allegedly planning to “clean” or circulate approximately 100 million CFA francs (around $180,000) in fake currency. According to Senegalese media outlets, including the daily Libération and Seneweb, the raid uncovered 70,000 counterfeit 100-euro notes and 81,000 counterfeit 100-dollar notes. Reports identified one of the arrested foreigners as A. Mané, described as a colonel in the Gambian army, alongside another individual, M. Barro, referred to as his marabout (religious leader), and two Senegalese nationals, EA Diallo and S. Ndiaye.
The story quickly spread across social media and regional news platforms, raising concerns about cross-border crime involving high-ranking military personnel.
In an official clarification issued by the Gambia Armed Forces through its media and public relations department, the institution stated unequivocally that no serving officer at the rank of colonel bears the reported surname “Mané” (or any variant, such as “Manneh” in some references). GAF noted that in the closest rank category—lieutenant colonel—three officers with the surname Manneh are currently in The Gambia, actively performing their duties and not involved in the incident.
“Based on preliminary verification, the matter appears, at this stage, to be a case of impersonation,” the statement read. The GAF emphasized that it has launched immediate verification processes, including direct engagement with Senegalese counterparts, and is receiving cooperation to clarify the facts.
The military expressed regret over the spread of unverified information, warning that such reports risk misleading the public and undermining institutional integrity. “The Gambia Armed Forces remains firmly committed to transparency, due process, and safeguarding the integrity of the institution,” it added, promising further updates as investigations continue.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges with counterfeit currency networks operating across the Gambia-Senegal border, a region with historical ties and frequent cross-border movement.
