By Adama Makasuba

Sanna Biro Sabally, a key figure of the 1994 coup, has told the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission on Wednesday that their agreed transition period was to rule The Gambia for six months and return power to a civilian government.

Sabally, who was incarcerated at the Mile Two Central Prison after falling out with the Junta in 1995, said “we wanted to rule for six months and return power to civilian rule. “

“We brought in Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, Fafa Edrisa Mbye, Bemba Tambedou and Aminata Faal Sonko, Susan Waffa Oogo.

“Because we wanted to bring in people who have international connection “

He clarified on widespread rumours that Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang was her aunt and that was the reason she was appointed to the AFPRC government.

“Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang is not my aunt but my cousin’s sister.  I didn’t bring her into our government based on relationship but rather on her professional competence.

“At this particular point (after the coup) we wanted people who could have helped us with the international community and she was one of the persons who could do that.”

He said a government of combined military and civilian personnel was formed to oversee the transition to civilian rule.