Jammeh Fires Kebba Sanyang, Peter Singhateh

In yet another exercise of the powers vested in him under section 71 (4b) of the constitution of the republic of The Gambia, President Yahya Jammeh yesterday relieved Mr. Kebba Sanyang, the new Secretary of State for Works, Construction and Infrastructure, of his cabinet appointment.

Furthermore, acting in accordance with section 72(1) of the constitution, President Jammeh has decided to divorce the responsibility for Religious Affairs from the Department of State for Youths and Sports, and assign it to the Department of State for Local Government & Lands headed by Mr. Ismaila Sambou, with effect from 24th September, 2007.

In another development, the Gambian leader, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces acting in accordance with the constitution, has relieved Lt. Col. Peter Singhateh of his command responsibilities and discharged him from the armed forces with immediate effect.

In the same vein, the president has approved the promotion and appointment of the following with immediate effect:

1. Lt. Col Massaneh Kinteh, Chief of Army Staff, promoted to the rank of Colonel and appointed the new Deputy Chief of Defence Staff.

2. Major Yakunba Drammeh, Commanding Officer, 1 Infantry Battalion, promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel and appointed Chief of Army Staff.

Meanwhile this paper has gathered from authoritative sources that Lt. Col. Peter Singhateh, former Deputy Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia National Army, left the country last week for Ireland to pursue a Masters degree course.