Lieutenant Colonel Sanna Manjang has described the court-martial case against him as an “afterthought” instituted solely as a “damage control measure,” according to an affidavit in reply challenging the State’s opposition.

In the affidavit, Manjang disputed several claims made by Major Saikou Kuyateh of the Gambia Armed Forces in an opposition affidavit sworn on October 7, 2026.

The matter is before the General Court-Martial, presided over by Justice O. Cham. Manjang is represented by a defense team led by Counsel SK Jobe, while the State is represented by Director of Public Prosecutions AM Yusuf.

Manjang alleged that the Army had shown no intention or willingness to pursue the matter until the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) realized that the State was likely to lose its case against him before the High Court.

“The present case is an afterthought and was instituted solely as a damage-control measure,” Manjang stated.

He also rejected the State’s denial of divisions or factions within the Army, maintaining that such divisions existed and that he believed there was a list of soldiers targeted for arrest.

On the question of his military service, Manjang denied the State’s assertion that his service had not been terminated. 

He argued that the non-payment of his salary and allowances, together with his abandonment of the Army, constituted termination of his service.

Manjang further denied the State’s claims that he had failed to return military property, insisting that all uniforms and materials issued to him had been duly returned.

He also challenged the documents relied upon by the State, alleging that there had been no previous publication by the relevant authority or person and that the documents were only recently made.

Manjang also denied several other paragraphs of the State’s affidavit, maintaining that the employment relationship between him and the Armed Forces had been terminated.

The matter was adjourned until 15th October 2026 for ruling.