The Office of the Governor of the Central River Region (CRR) has confirmed the retirement of Mr. Baboucarr Nyang from his role as Alkalo of Nyangen Village in Niani District, following concerns over residency requirements tied to the position.
In a letter dated 20 May 2026, regional authorities stated that the decision received approval from the Minister for Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs and officially came into effect on 2 May 2026.
Officials explained that Mr. Nyang was removed because he was no longer residing in the village he was appointed to oversee. Under Section 143(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 2002, an Alkalo is required to live within the community under his or her authority.
According to the Governor’s Office, the move was carried out in line with the legal framework that regulates local governance and administrative accountability. Copies of the notice were sent to several government offices, including the Head Chief of Niani District, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, the Accountant General, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Kuntaur Area Council.
The communication was signed on behalf of the Governor by Hon. Sainey Mbye, although the document did not indicate his official title.
The decision comes after earlier measures taken by regional authorities, including the confiscation of Mr. Nyang’s official stamp over claims that he had transferred some of his responsibilities to his son.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nyang’s son and supporters from the Unite Movement for Change (UMC) have argued that the action was politically driven. They maintain that the former Alkalo was singled out because of his son’s links to the opposition movement, noting that it is common for elderly Alkalos across the country to entrust certain duties to family members or assistants.
