The Gambian government has detained Abdoulie Sanyang, a former military officer, after comments considered threatening to national security and allegations targeting President Adama Barrow.
He was arrested on August 17, 2025, at Banjul International Airport by security officers based on the flight manifest.
His detention followed a radio interview in which he accused the government of rigging the 2021 presidential election by issuing voter cards to non-Gambians, alleged that diplomat Sheikh Omar Faye facilitated the illegal registration of foreigners, and blamed the state for the Sukuta-Jabang traffic light incident that killed two police officers.
Sanyang further suggested that President Barrow should relinquish power peacefully, dismissing the ongoing legal process as ineffective.
Following his arrest, he was first held at the airport police station before being transferred to the Criminal Intelligence Bureau and Interpol for checks.
He is now being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Brusubi police station as investigations continue.
