By: Abdoulie John
Prominent Gambian human rights campaigner Madi Jobarteh has urged prison authorities to uphold the fundamental rights of Sanna Manjang, the former member of Yahya Jammeh’s notorious “Junglers” hit squad, who faces three counts of murder for alleged extrajudicial killings during the former regime.
Manjang, extradited from Senegal last month after eight years as a fugitive, is accused of the 2004 assassination of journalist Deyda Hydara and the 2006 murders of Ndongo Mboob and Haruna Jammeh. Remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison, he has been at the center of controversy over denied access to his lawyer and family.
“That’s unfortunate,” Jobarteh told TAT. “As a suspect, he has a right to receive family visits in line with prison rules. Facing capital charges, he definitely has a right to legal representation. There is absolutely no justification to deny him access to his lawyer. These rights are guaranteed under both domestic and international laws.”
The issue surfaced during a recent High Court hearing presided over by Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh, where defense counsel S.K. Jobe complained that prison officials blocked his visits to Manjang, hindering case preparation. Jobe also noted family members were barred from seeing the accused.
In response, Justice Jobarteh denied Manjang’s bail application but issued a directive to the Director General of Prisons to immediately allow counsel access pending formal arraignment in January 2026. The court emphasized that while murder charges are serious and not ordinarily bailable, the accused’s right to legal counsel remains fundamental.
Manjang, implicated by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission in multiple atrocities under Jammeh’s 22-year rule, fled to Guinea-Bissau after Adama Barrow’s 2016 election victory. His arrest marks a key step in The Gambia’s transitional justice efforts.
Jobarteh stressed that ensuring fair trial rights, even for alleged perpetrators, upholds the rule of law. “He must be able to see his lawyer as a matter of fair trial,” he added.
The case continues to draw attention as victims’ families seek closure for Jammeh-era crimes.
