A former bodyguard to ex-Gambian president Yahya Jammeh has pledged unwavering loyalty to the ousted leader, declaring that not even the highest role at the United Nations could sway his allegiance.

Baboucarr Sanneh, who served in Jammeh’s presidential security team, said his loyalty stems from Jammeh’s love for The Gambia and commitment to truth.

“Not even the role of UN Secretary-General would make me switch sides,” Sanneh said. “I will never abandon my support for him.”

Despite widespread controversy and allegations of human rights abuses during Jammeh’s 22-year rule, Sanneh maintains that Jammeh always put the country first and deserves lasting loyalty.

Sanneh was among several former soldiers arrested in 2017 over an alleged plot to overthrow President Adama Barrow. He was tried by court martial and imprisoned at Mile Two, where he claims to have suffered maltreatment. His treason conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2020.

Jammeh went into exile in Equatorial Guinea after refusing to concede defeat in the 2016 presidential election. Since then, The Gambia has launched a transitional justice process, including hearings by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which documented widespread abuses under his regime.

While the government has pledged to implement the TRRC’s recommendations, including possible prosecution of Jammeh and his allies, the former leader still commands loyal support—particularly in rural areas and among former regime insiders.

Sanneh’s comments reflect a sentiment still held by part of the population that views Jammeh as a nationalist and a symbol of strong leadership.

By Adama Makasuba