Gambia-l,

Below is a press release from The Department of State for the Interior


PEACE
Tombong Saidy


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PRESS RELEASE           15th January 2000
For Immediate Release

The Department of State for the Interior wishes to inform the general public
of a foiled conspiracy and attempt to overthrow the Government of the
Republic of The Gambia by unlawful means.

The Intelligence Agency has for the past few months been investigating
information relating to a conspiracy to overthrow the Government of The
Gambia involving Lt. Almamo Manneh, Ordnance and Logistics Officer - State
Guard and Lt. Landing Sanneh (State Guard Commander) as ring leaders.

Several indicators, including an unauthorised and systematic harassment of
civilians at the Denton Bridge and elsewhere, intended to sow seeds of
discord amongst civilians under the direction of these two Officers
confirmed the information already received. This led the Intelligence Agency
to further monitor the activities of certain members of the State Guard
under the leadership of these two Officers.

By Friday 14th January 2000, after their last meeting at the office of the
State Guard Commander, Lt. Sanneh, adequate evidence was gathered to cause
the security unit of the Presidential Guard to be on full alert. After
gathering evidence that preparatory activities leading to the attempt were
to commence in the early hours of Saturday 15th January 2000, a security
team was dispatched to move in with a view to arresting the leaders - Lt.
Almamo Manneh and Lt. Sanneh.

Lt. Manneh was intercepted by the team at Stink Corner on his way to Fajara
and Yundum Barracks where according to the plan he was supposed to take
control and mobilise support for the operation. After stopping him, the
security team informed him that he was under arrest. He immediately jumped
out of his vehicle and opened fire. A shoot-out ensued leading to his
instant death.

The security team proceeded to the residence of Lt. Sanneh at Mile 7. Upon
reaching the house, he was requested to open his door and come out. He
refused to comply upon realising that it was the security officers. He
thereafter switched off his house lights and tossed a grenade at them from
within the house, which exploded. The security Officers to cover and still
insisted that he come out of the house. He still refused to comply and
opened fire from within the house. There was a shoot-out in which he
sustained injuries. He was eventually overpowered and arrested.

He is presently under the custody of the security officers and is helping in
the investigations.

The general public is assured that the situation is completely under control
and there is no cause for alarm or panic.

Meanwhile investigations are underway with a view to bringing everyone
involved within the full scale of the law.

Department of State for The Interior
Banjul


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