Monday, July 9, 2012

President Jammeh Removes Chief of Defence Lt. Gen. Kinteh

President Jammeh speaking to journalists in November 2011
Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh on Friday July 6 removed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lieutenant General Masaneh Kinteh and appoints his deputy Major Ousman Badjie as a replacement.

 
A statement from president Jammeh’s office, State House confirms the sacking as broadcast by the State Television (GRTS). Kinteh is said to have been moved to the diplomatic mission though his destination has not been revealed.

As usual, no explanation has been given as to why CDS Kinteh was sacked, two years after his appointment. 

Intelligence agents questioned Kinteh last week, but no information filtered out from the session, according to reports by the AFP news agency.

At the time of his sacking, Kinteh was on a countrywide tour of militarily installations. 


CDS Masanneh Kinteh
Kinteh, a native of Jarra Sankuya, became deputy chief of army staff in October 2009, going on to replace Lt. Gen Langtombong Tamba in 2010, following his sacking, trial, conviction and sentencing to death on charges of treason.

Like Kinteh, when Tamba was also sacked, he was said to have been appointed to the Foreign Service – an appointment he confirmed during his trial.

In May this year, the Gambian leader relieved the leaders of the army, air force, marines and presidential guard of their duties and subsequently appointed them as deputy ambassadors.

Written by Modou S. Joof 
 
 

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