By Sainabou Sambou
The High Court Annex in Banjul has granted a temporary reprieve to Muhammad Rene Schwarze, a German national believed to be an alleged financier of the National Democratic Party’s opposition leader, Kebba Madi Bojang, by suspending his planned deportation.
Justice Sonia Akinbiyi issued the interim order on Thursday, 2 July 2026, preventing the Director of Immigration from deporting Schwarze, removing him from the country, or handing him over to any other law enforcement agency without a court order. The ruling followed an urgent ex parte application moved by lawyer K. Jallow on behalf of the applicant.
The application, filed on 1 July 2026 and supported by a comprehensive 68-paragraph affidavit sworn by Schwarze, sought three principal reliefs. These included an injunction restraining the Director of Immigration from repatriating or flying him out of The Gambia pending the determination of the substantive case.
Schwarze also asked the court to bar both the Director of Immigration and the Attorney General from any such actions before he is given an opportunity to be heard. Additionally, he requested a stay on the execution of a “persona non grata” decision that was orally communicated to him on 30 June 2026 at Banjul International Airport.
Sources close to the matter indicate that Schwarze’s sudden designation as persona non grata is linked to allegations that he has been financing opposition activities, particularly those associated with Kebba Madi Bojang and the National Democratic Party. The development has heightened political tensions in the lead-up to the December elections, with critics questioning the timing and manner of the immigration action.
After reviewing the application, Justice Akinbiyi granted all the reliefs sought. However, the judge noted that the ex parte nature of the order constitutes an exception to the audi alteram partem rule of natural justice. Consequently, the interim order will automatically lapse after seven days to allow for a full hearing with all parties present.
The case has been adjourned to 9 July 2026 at 9:00 a.m. for the definite hearing of the originating summons.
As the seven-day interim protection period ticks down, attention is focused on the government’s response and whether the allegations against Schwarze will be formally addressed in court.
The outcome of next week’s hearing is expected to have broader implications for political financing, opposition activities, and the treatment of foreign nationals in The Gambia.
