Bakary M.A. Jaiteh, coordinator of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), popularly known as General Baxso, has died at his home in Farato.

His death was announced in a statement expressing profound sorrow. The announcement said details of his funeral arrangements would be shared in due course.

Jaiteh was a prominent grassroots mobiliser for the former ruling APRC, which governed The Gambia from 1996 until the change of government in 2017.

A former businessman at Albert Market in Banjul, he rose to prominence following the 1994 coup and became one of the party’s best-known organisers.

He later served as Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Governor of the West Coast Region, while holding senior positions within the APRC.

Following the 2016 political transition, Jaiteh remained active in politics and continued to comment on national issues. He later aligned himself with political efforts surrounding President Adama Barrow.

His death is expected to be mourned by family members, friends, political associates and supporters.

The announcement did not disclose the circumstances of his death or provide details about his age.

It concluded with prayers for Allah to grant him mercy and forgiveness and grant him eternal rest.

By Adama Makasuba