UN asked to investigate missing Gambian journalists

CHIEF EBRIMA MANNEH

By Mafugi Ceesay

According to Rev. Jesse Jackson, an American civil human right activist on Monday told Gambia TV President Jammeh had asked the United Nations to investigate the case of the missing Gambian journalist Chief Ebrima B. Manneh.

The Reverend was on a visit to Gambia on Sunday and had an audience with Jammeh before he was due to leave on Monday. 

Chief disappeared under mysterious circumstances on July 7, 2006. He was reported to have been picked-up by Government’s plain-cloth officials at his work place, the Daily Observer in Bakau. The Gambia government denied these accusations in local and international platforms.

 

Earlier this year, there were reports that the government had asked the UN to investigate Chief’s case. But a press officer at State House told The Daily News the office of the president was not aware of that.

Executions

Rev. Jackson also announced he discussed with president Jammeh the recent execution of nine death row inmates, and pleaded with him to extend the moratorium of executing the death penalty.

Jammeh decided last week to suspend executions. The BBC said it was as a result of pressure from the European Union, but he rubbishes that. “Do I look like someone who bow to international pressure,” Jammeh asked in a televised address at his home village, Kanilai over the weekend.

Pardon

He revealed he was flying out to United States with two Gambian-Americans who were condemned for life.

Dr. Amadou Scattred Janneh, Gambia’s former information minister was convicted of conspiracy to commit treason and treason in 2011 for printing and distributing t-shirts written: “Coalition for Change-The Gambia: End Dictatorship Now.”

While former Immigration Department Boss, Tamsir Jasseh’s conviction in 2007 on similar charges followed allegations he played a role in a 2006 aborted coup allegedly led by Gambia’s former chief of defence staff, Colonel Ndure Cham.  in and Tamsir Jasseh.