Civil society activist Madi Jobarteh has criticised the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) over its handling of the investigation into allegations involving former Chief of Defence Staff Mamat O.A. Cham, saying the announcement of an internal Board of Inquiry has raised more questions than answers.

Reacting to the military’s statement confirming that President Adama Barrow has ordered an independent inquiry, Jobarteh questioned the structure, legality, and transparency of the proposed investigation.

He asked a series of questions, including: who the members of the Board of Inquiry are, what legal framework established it, its terms of reference, when it will begin work, how long it will last, and which institution will oversee it.

“The press release only raises more questions and confusion,” he said, arguing that the lack of detail undermines public confidence in the process.

Jobarteh further argued that the military is not the appropriate institution to handle the matter, given that it involves a former high-ranking officer and allegations of misconduct that go beyond operational military issues.

He said the case should instead be handled by an independent civilian body under the Ministry of Defence, insisting that civilian oversight is essential for credibility and accountability.

“The issues concerning the former CDS are not military operational issues. They are non-military misconduct. The appropriate body to lead this inquiry should be an independent body under the Ministry of Defence,” he stated.

He also criticised what he described as silence from the Ministry of Defence and State House, saying their lack of visible leadership raises concerns about governance and oversight.

According to him, the handling of the matter reflects deeper institutional weaknesses.
“Once again, failed leadership is killing this country,” he said.

The GAF had earlier stated that the Board of Inquiry would investigate allegations made by the former CDS’s ex-personal assistant and would operate independently to establish the facts surrounding the case.

By Adama Makasuba