Alhaji Mamadi Kurang, former secretary to the Janneh Commission, is seeking 200 million dalasis in compensation from lawyer Amie N.D. Bensouda, following a legal exchange over claims of defamation.

The dispute began after Bensouda sent a letter to Kurang on 16 May 2025, accusing him of making “false, damaging and defamatory statements” about her professional role as lead counsel to the Janneh Commission.

In the same letter, she demanded a public apology and sought D140 million in damages, citing injury to her reputation and character.

Kurang responded through his legal team on 27 May, rejecting the allegations and stating that Bensouda had “deliberately mischaracterised his comments and misrepresented the facts.”

His lawyers added that by publishing the letter publicly, Bensouda had “further harmed Mr Kurang’s reputation and subjected him to national embarrassment and political damage.”

Kurang’s lawyers argue that his statements on the Commission’s handling of assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh were “grounded in fact and legitimate public concern.”

They say his remarks were part of his “constitutional right to free expression on matters of national governance and public accountability”.

“Public officials must expect scrutiny when occupying influential roles that affect public interest,” the response stated.

“Our client stands by his comments and will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability.”

Kurang’s legal team also referenced a 2018 petition he submitted to the Commission and to the presidency, in which he raised concerns about what he described as a “conflict of interest” involving Bensouda’s role.

In a counter-demand, Kurang is seeking D200 million in damages for what his lawyers called “malicious and untrue claims” made against him.

He is also requesting a formal retraction of the letter, a public apology, and an end to what he described as “a campaign to silence criticism”.

By Adama Makasuba