Kebba Sanyang, Secretary of State for Works and Infrastructural Development and Lieutenant Colonel Peter Singhateh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, were relieved of their duties by President Yahya Jammeh, with effect from yesterday, September 24, according to reports from the Office of the President.

A press release on Mr Kebba Sanyang’s sacking reads: “The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, in exercise of the powers vested in him under section 71(4) b of the constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has relieved Mr Kebba Sanyang of his cabinet appointment. 

In further restructuring of portfolios and acting in accordance with section 72 (1) of the constitution, President Jammeh has decided to assign the responsibility for Religious Affairs to the Secretary of State for Local Government and Lands, the Honourable Ismaila Sambou, with effect from 24th September, 2007.”

Another press release concerning Lieutenant Colonel Peter Singhateh stated: “His Excellency, the President of the Republic of The Gambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, acting in accordance with Constitutional provision, has relieved Lieutenant Colonel Peter Singhateh of his command responsibilities and discharged him from the Armed Forces with immediate effect.

In the same vein, His Excellency the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has approved the promotion and appointment of the following, with immediate effect: Lieutenant Colonel Masanneh Kinteh, Chief of Army Staff; promoted to the rank of Colonel and appointed the new Deputy Chief of Defence Staff. 

Major Yankuba Drammeh, Commanding Officer, 1 Infantry Battalion, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Chief of Army Staff”.