Jaja Cham, the former CEO of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has issued a public apology following an incident that led to his arrest and detention at the Mile 2 Central Prison. 

Cham, who faced accusations of assaulting a female member of a local government commission, was taken into custody by police on Tuesday evening.

On Thursday, Cham appeared before the commission with his lawyer and expressed regret for his behaviour, which had escalated tensions within the council. “What happened lately was not my intention,” Cham said.

“I didn’t know talking to someone who is a witness would come out this way. I apologise for that sincerely.”

Cham’s apology marks an attempt to mitigate the fallout from the incident, which has brought additional scrutiny to the Kanifing Municipal Council and raised questions about conduct standards within public office.

The commission has yet to release further statements on the incident or on any disciplinary actions that may follow.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba