Police in The Gambia on Monday forcibly removed Auditor General Momodou Ceesay from the National Audit Office after he refused to vacate the post following a government reshuffle by President Adama Barrow, local media and witnesses said.
Ceesay, who has led the watchdog since 2022, had formally declined Barrow’s offer to become trade minister, according to a letter published by independent outlet Foroyaa. The presidency has said Ceesay initially agreed to the move before changing his mind.
The government named Director of Internal Audit Cherno Amadou Sowe as the new auditor general, part of a broader reshuffle announced last week, local outlets reported. There was no immediate comment from Sowe.
Live videos by Gambian outlets showed plain-clothes officers confronting NAO staff before backup arrived and escorted Ceesay from a press briefing to his lawyer’s office. Two activists, Kemo Fatty and Alieu Bah, were later arrested near the audit office as they called for Ceesay’s reinstatement, the reports said.
The presidency said in a statement it remained committed to the rule of law and financial accountability, adding Ceesay’s proposed appointment was based on his qualifications and not intended to interfere with the audit office’s work.
Barrow’s government has faced street protests in recent months over the handling of assets linked to former ruler Yahya Jammeh, amid allegations by campaigners that sales benefited insiders — claims the government denies. At least 27 people were detained during a May demonstration, according to the Associated Press.
Ceesay was appointed auditor general in November 2022. The National Audit Office has in recent years issued high-profile reports into public spending by local authorities and state bodies.