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December 12.2025
3 Minutes Read

High Court Denies Bail to Jungler Sanna Manjang Amid Controversial Charges

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Justice Prevails: The High Court's Ruling

In a significant legal development, the High Court of The Gambia, led by Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh, denied bail to Sanna Manjang, a former operative of the notorious Junglers death squad implicated in heinous crimes, including the 2004 murder of journalist Deyda Hydara. This decision follows a sequence of legal arguments that bring to light the complexities of Gambian law regarding capital offences and the nuances of justice in cases involving serious criminal charges.

Context of the Case: The Junglers and Their Dark Legacy

The Junglers, a paramilitary group known for extrajudicial killings during Yahya Jammeh's regime, have left a deep scar in The Gambia's history. Manjang's alleged involvement in such a dark chapter raises not just legal questions, but also ethical considerations about governance, accountability, and the fight against impunity in Africa. The fact that he faces multiple murder charges highlights a broader narrative around human rights and the struggle for justice in a post-authoritarian context.

Legal Framework: A Clash of Rights and Laws

The defence attorney, S.K. Jobe, argued that under the newly amended Crimes Offences Act, murder has become a bailable offence, which reflects changes in the legal landscape that aim to uphold the presumption of innocence. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), A.M. Yusuf, countered this by stating that murder is typically a non-bailable offence, emphasizing the gravity of Manjang's alleged crimes. This clash poses critical questions about legal interpretations and the protection of rights for accused individuals amidst serious charges within the African judicial landscape.

The Role of Access to Justice

A crucial aspect of this case is the highlighted hindrance in accessing the accused. Attorney Jobe’s complaints that access to his client was restricted raise vital concerns about the legal rights of detainees in The Gambia. Restrictions on legal counsel could undermine fair trial rights, and the court's acknowledgment of these access issues, albeit insufficient to grant bail, points toward a need for reform aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in the legal process.

Implications for Governance and Justice in Africa

Ultimately, the ruling serves as a significant moment in The Gambia's ongoing transition from an authoritarian past toward a more accountable governance framework. It underscores the critical need for African countries to bolster their judicial mechanisms and upholding human rights. A fair legal process not only promotes justice for individuals like Manjang but also enhances public trust in governance, essential for advancing democracy and rule of law across the continent.

What's Next? Preparing for the Next Steps

The High Court has mandated that the State files a formal bill of indictment by January 12, 2026, with the next court appearance scheduled for January 15, 2026. This timeline creates an opportunity for legal scrutiny and public engagement surrounding the repercussions of the case. As it unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how the Gambian legal system navigates these challenging waters, balancing the rights of the accused with the demands for justice from victims of past regimes.

Frontline Voices (Opinion & Analysis)

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