Gambian lawyer Amie Bensouda has filed a defamation lawsuit against former Janneh Commission member Alhagie Mamadi Kurang, demanding $2 million in damages over allegedly false and damaging remarks.

The legal action, which was initiated on 16 May 2025 by her legal representatives at Antouman A.B. Gaye & Co., accuses Kurang of making defamatory statements that have caused significant harm to Bensouda’s professional reputation.

Bensouda, who boasts over four decades of distinguished service in the Gambian legal field, is seeking a retraction of the comments, along with compensation for the reputational damage she claims to have suffered.

A respected figure in both national and international legal circles, Bensouda serves as the Managing Partner of Amie Bensouda & Co. LP. Her career has seen her hold key positions such as the President of the Gambia Bar Association and senior lecturer at the Gambia Law School, in addition to her work with global organisations like the World Bank’s Technical Advisory.

The dispute between Bensouda and Kurang dates back to their involvement in the Janneh Commission, which investigated the financial dealings of former President Yahya Jammeh and his associates.

Kurang, who was tasked with overseeing the disposal of state-seized assets, including vehicles and agricultural equipment, has been accused by Bensouda’s legal team of “administrative lapses and financial irregularities” during the asset disposal process.

These include unbanked proceeds, duplicate payments, and sales conducted without reserve prices.

However, it was a July 2018 memorandum, in which Kurang accused Bensouda of misconduct, that lies at the heart of the legal battle.

The memorandum, circulated to high-ranking government officials, including the President and Attorney General, sparked a bitter exchange between the two figures. Bensouda’s attorneys have dismissed Kurang’s accusations as “vitriolic” and “rooted in deep-seated resentment,” asserting that her contributions to the Commission were carried out with “extreme professionalism.”

In response to the allegations, Bensouda suggested that either she or Kurang should be removed from their respective roles to preserve the integrity of the Commission. Following this, Kurang was relieved of his duties.

Bensouda’s legal team has now taken formal action, seeking not only the removal of Kurang’s statements but also compensation for the damage caused to her reputation. The lawsuit demands $2 million in damages, an amount her legal team argues reflects the gravity of the harm done.

By Adama Makasuba