The Gambian Armed Forces announced Saturday the arrest of former Brigadier General Bora Colley, an alleged member of the notorious “Junglers” death squad under the regime of former dictator Yahya Jammeh.
Colley surrendered to military police at Yundum Barracks on Friday night following surveillance operations conducted by intelligence services.
The “Junglers” paramilitary unit has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and torture, by the United Nations and human rights organizations.
The arrest of Colley marks a significant step in the Gambian government’s ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for atrocities committed during Jammeh’s 22-year rule.
In 2022, the Gambian government endorsed the findings of a truth and reconciliation commission that investigated crimes perpetrated under the former regime.
The commission recommended the prosecution of 70 individuals, including Jammeh himself.
The arrest of Colley appears to be a direct response to these recommendations.
Jammeh seized power in a 1994 coup and ruled Gambia until losing the 2016 presidential election to Adama Barrow.
He subsequently fled to Equatorial Guinea after a brief standoff.
The new government has been working to address the legacy of his repressive regime, including reforming the security sector and bringing perpetrators of human rights abuses to justice.
Colley is currently in custody and cooperating with military police investigators.
The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.