Banjul magistrates’ court has issued a bench warrant for Major Sanna Manjang, who is accused of gross human rights crimes including killing and torture.

Manjang, a serving member of the Gambia armed forces, fled the country following the downfall of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh in 2017. Manjang and others have been alleged of killing dozens of Gambians and other nationals during Jammeh’s 22 year rule.  

He’s been named in the Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission as one of the key perpetrators of gross human rights crimes during the Jammeh dictatorship. 

In a landmark ruling, magistrate Krubally of the Banjul magistrates’ court issued an arrest warrant for the suspect, following an application submitted by the Gambia Police Force requesting a bench warrant.

Representing the Gambia Police Force, Assistant Superintendent E. Sarr sought the issuance of a warrant to arrest Sanna Manjang so he could be brought before the court for trial.

He informed the court that the police received correspondence from Interpol Washington, United States National Central Bureau, dated February 25, 2025.

The correspondence requested the Gambia Police Force provide a copy of the arrest warrant for the fugitive known as Sanna Manjang, along with the related case reference number.

After his submission, magistrate Krubally granted the application and issued the bench warrant for Sanna Manjang’s arrest, requiring him to appear before the court to respond to the alleged charges.

The Washington, United States National Central Bureau wrote to the Gambia authority asking whether Sanna is still wanted by the country and, If so, to provide a copy of the arrest warrant.

By Adama Makasuba