Gambia: Experts identify remains of slain activist

By Mustapha K. Darboe

BANJUL, Gambia (AA) - Gambian forensic scientists have identified the remains of an opposition activist who died in state custody after his arrest for protesting media law reform in 2016, under the rule of ousted strongman Yahya Jammeh.

This is the first confirmation of Solo Sandeng’s identity since his body was exhumed from an unmarked grave on the outskirts of Tanji, a village in Kombo South about 20 minutes’ drive from Banjul, capital of the East African country.

Forensic experts have also identified the body of armed men who attempted to overthrow Jammeh in December 2014.

In the incident, armed men launched an attack on the country’s State House, unaware that Jammeh was away.

“Preliminary results have positively identified the remains as those of Solo Sandeng and three from the Dec. 30 incident, i.e. Njagga Jagne, Lamin Sanneh, and Alhaji Jaja Nyass,” said Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou.