Security ties between Senegal and The Gambia have been shattered by a significant scandal. For allegedly stealing and trafficking food supplies intended for the Gambian Presidency, two members of the Senegalese National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) stationed at the Gambian Presidential Palace were expelled from Banjul.
Among the accused is President Adama Barrow’s security chief, a Senegalese officer who was once regarded as a crucial member of the presidential security detail. The two gendarmes allegedly sold food illegally on the local market after stealing it from the State House reserve. Several traders suspected of selling the stolen goods had contacts on their phones, according to a preliminary investigation.
They were immediately recalled to Dakar and expelled from the National Gendarmerie due to the seriousness of the accusations. One of the gendarmes has chosen to appeal the ruling, arguing that he followed orders from a superior. Although the Senegalese gendarmerie has released an official statement, no additional information regarding possible additional sanctions has been made public.
