Gambia's justice ministry on Thursday accused 10 people, including top military brass, of treason over a foiled attempt last year to overthrow President Yahya Jammeh. The alleged coup plotters are said to have bought arms and equipment and recruited mercenaries from Guinea for the second alleged overthrow since 2006 against Jammeh who himself took power in a bloodless coup 16 years ago.
The group "conspired to stage a coup d'etat and overthrow the president, Yahya Jammeh, and the democratically elected government of the Republic of The Gambia by force of arms," according to the charges in a statement. Eight of those charged were arrested last November while two still at large were charged in their absence including Brigadier General Ndure Cham who led the foiled coup attempt in 2006 and is accused of involvement in last years overthrow bid. Four people are serving life sentences and seven others have been jailed for 20 years each after being convicted of taking part in the 2006 coup attempt.
Jammeh, an outspoken military officer and former wrestler, is said to rule the smallest state on the African mainland with an iron fist, repressing criticism and brushing off concerns over human rights abuses. Observers have alleged that suspected coup plots are a sign of paranoia on his part.
A Gambian political analyst said most of those arrested were very close allies of the president and "no one never thought of seeing such people who were very loyal to Jammeh being arrested and put in jail." "From my point of view it appears as if Jammeh is getting rid of anybody he sees as a threat to his regime."
Recently eleven top military, navy and intelligence officials were arrested and charged over suspected drug trafficking charges. Jammeh regularly reshuffles his governments, and has hired and fired five ministers in separate shake-ups this year, keeping several portfolios under his control. No reason is ever given for the reshuffling, but sources usually cite corruption.
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