Sanna Manjang appeared in court to face two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm under Section 228 of the Criminal Code. These charges relate to alleged incidents involving Tamsir Jasseh and Yaya M.S. Darboe that occurred in March 2006. Sanna Manjang is facing these two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm under Section 228 of the Criminal Code as part of the formal judicial process initiated against him.
Sanna Manjang denied the accusations during the proceedings, stating, "My Lord, the allegations levelled against me by both victims are false because I have never participated in their arrest or torture during their detention." Addressing his role within the military apparatus, Sanna Manjang remarked, "The names Black Blacks or Junglers were names given to them by ordinary people." The court continues to examine the testimony regarding the events of March 2006 as the trial moves forward. The specific allegations concerning the treatment of Tamsir Jasseh and Yaya M.S. Darboe remain a central focus of the courtroom inquiry, with the defendant maintaining his innocence regarding the actions described in the charges.
Military Service and Testimony
Sanna Manjang testified about his long-standing career within the national military structure during the court proceedings. He stated that he joined the Gambia Armed Forces in 1995. Following his enlistment, he served in various capacities throughout his tenure. Sanna Manjang joined the Gambia Armed Forces in 1995, marking the beginning of his professional military career.
Regarding his specific deployment, Sanna Manjang confirmed his presence in the Foni region for a significant portion of his service. He testified that he was stationed in Kanilai from 2003 to 2017. Sanna Manjang testified that he was stationed in Kanilai from 2003 to 2017, a period during which he carried out his duties within the military hierarchy. These details form part of the ongoing judicial review concerning his activities during the period involving Tamsir Jasseh and Yaya M.S. Darboe. The court continues to examine the timeline of his military service as the trial progresses.
Origins of Paramilitary Names
Sanna Manjang testified that he first learned of the designations "Junglers" and "Black Blacks" during the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) proceedings. He maintained that these terms were not part of his military experience prior to those hearings. Sanna Manjang claimed he first learned of the names "Junglers" and "Black Blacks" during the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) proceedings.
Justice S.K. Jobarteh presided over the court session and directed the prosecution to serve the defence with a motion of execution. This order requires the prosecution to provide the documentation to the defence team on or before 23 October 2026. Justice S.K. Jobarteh directed the prosecution to serve the defence with a motion of execution on or before 23 October 2026 to ensure the legal process proceeds with the required documentation.
Legal proceedings in the case were adjourned until 6 November 2026. The case was adjourned to 6 November 2026 at 9:30 a.m. The court is scheduled to reconvene at 9:30 a.m. On that date to continue the trial.
