More Heads Roll in Civil Service, Axe Falls On High Court Master,
Commissioner



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The Independent (Banjul)

November 26, 2001
Posted to the web November 26, 2001

Darboe And Bah
Banjul

Information from competent sources spoke of more high-profile sackings
within the civil service.

Government institutions still smarting from last week's rash of dismissals
as President Jammeh makes good his pre-election threat to rid the system of
his political opponents, have had to brace themselves for more reshuffling.

Ousman Jammeh the High Court Master received his letter of dismissal letter
on Wednesday and was subsequently seen packing. Mr. Jammeh confirmed his
sacking, saying no reasons were given for his marching orders, which is the
second such dismissal this year. He was sacked earlier this year, in a move,
which many say was linked to his report over the April 10 student incident
in his capacity as Coroner. Mr.

Jammeh told The Independent that although it was bad news, he felt
unperturbed by it, saying he bears no grudge against anybody. "Life goes on"
he philosophically added.

Meanwhile, Momodou Lamin Jobarteh the Assistant Commissioner of the Upper
River Division and Foma Ceesay the director of Community Development were
relieved of their posts reports from reliable sources intimated to The
Independent. Although it is not clear why the Assistant Commissioner was
sacked, sources said Foma's sacking was linked to suspicion that he was a
bonafide sympathhiser of the main opposition United Democratic Party.
However, a man who claimed he is a staff of the Department of Community
Development said although he was aware of rumour about Mr. Ceesay's reported
sacking, he could not confirm it. According to him Foma was on a trip
outside the country but was due here yesterday.

Meanwhile sources also revealed that Tamba Kinteh a local government officer
of the Mansakonko Area Council was also removed from his post following
reports that he was sympathetic to the opposition. This cannot be
independently confirmed. Mr. Kinteh is said to be replaced by Wally Sanneh a
former parliamentary candidate of the PPP and now a staunch supporter of the
ruling APRC.

Suwareh the principal fisheries officer was also sacked last week although
no reason was advanced for his removal.

Another casualty of President Jammeh's sweeping overhaul of the civil
service is Ansumana Kunjo as the officer responsible for the affairs of
Non-Governmental Organisations.

This latest purge of the civil service is the latest in a wave of dismissals
by President Jammeh, which began three months ago.



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