Gambia Detains Six MFDC Rebels

Gambian Vehicle Intercepted From MFDC Rebels

By Staff Reporter  Fatou Cham, Banjul

Authorities in The Gambia on Tuesday said they have arrested six members of the Senegalese rebel faction called the Movement For Democratic Change (MFDC), who tried to enter into the West African country illegally. The men were apprehended by Gambia’s army Border patrol unit on suspicion of trying to engage in subversive activities—amidst growing security tensions, and insecurity in the former British colony, well placed State House sources said.  

Military sources at Kanilai, the President’s home village said the warlords were apprehended with a Gambian Vehicle, a Toyota Pickup by the Border Patrol Unit along The Gambia/Senegalese border, as they tried to enter into the country without proper Immigration clearance.

The arrested rebels were whisked away to the Kanilai military camp, where they were interrogated by the camp commander, and his men, including Captain Sanna Majang, sources said.  The detainees were later transferred to the NIA Head quarters in Banjul for further processing, our sources added.

It is unclear as to why the MFDC rebels should be travelling with a Gambian registered motor vehicle, but sources said the men could not furnish the investigators with any justifiable reason for their presence in the country.

This is not the first time that the MFDC rebels have been shuttling between Casamance, and Banjul. Banjul is the shopping base for the rebel faction. They come here to buy food stuffs, and other utensils for the upkeep of their men in the bush, sources said.

An official of the NIA who begged for anonymity confirmed the story to the Freedom Newspaper.  The official said the MFDC rebels were indeed apprehended, and are currently helping the Agency with their investigations.