Exiled former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has expelled seven executive members of the APRC group supporting him over alleged misconduct.

While he did not specify the exact offences committed, Jammeh urged members of the group to distance themselves from the expelled individuals.

According to a statement from the group, the expulsion of the seven members was agreed upon during a meeting held on Tuesday (April 15).

The expelled top brass includes Abdou F.S.H. Jarju, First Deputy Chairman; Karamo Dampha, Chairman of the Council of Elders; Lamin Sanyang, Second Deputy Chairman and Council of Elders Chairman; and Yaya Sanyang, Public Relations Officer of the Council of Elders. Also expelled were Kebuteh Badjie, Chairman of the Serekunda West Constituency, and Amadou Gibba, also known as Jolamansa.

“The said persons acted in contravention of the provisions of the APRC constitution’s code of conduct and discipline, and failed to adhere to the working ethics of the party, thus causing embarrassment, hatred, ridicule, and misunderstanding within the party,” the statement said.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) expressed “shock and sorrow,” strongly condemning what it called “annoying and indecent actions,” and reiterated its commitment to discipline any party member found wanting.

“All APRC members shall faithfully comply with and abide by the rules of conduct of the party at all times,” the NEC emphasised.

By Adama Makasuba