EFSCRJ Opposes the Creation of a ‘Board of Inquiry’ and Calls for Independent Civilian Investigation into Former CDS Allegations

EFSCRJ Opposes the Creation of a ‘Board of Inquiry’ and Calls for Independent Civilian Investigation into Former CDS Allegations

The allegations against former CDS Lt. Gen. Mamat Cham are too serious to be handled through a process shrouded in secrecy.

If this Board of Inquiry is truly independent, who are its members? What are its terms of reference? Who will oversee its work? Why was its establishment announced by the Gambia Armed Forces rather than State House or the Ministry of Defence?

This matter is not about military operations. It concerns allegations of corruption, abuse of office, misuse of military resources, and breaches of public trust. Such issues require a transparent, credible, and civilian-led investigation.

More importantly, this should not be limited to one individual. The allegations point to possible systemic weaknesses, oversight failures, and governance challenges within the Armed Forces. This is an opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review of military administration, accountability systems, welfare conditions, and the effectiveness of security sector reforms.

Corruption in the military is not merely a disciplinary issue. It is a threat to professionalism, national security, public trust, and the rule of law.

EFSCRJ therefore calls on the President and Commander-in-Chief to establish a truly independent inquiry with clear terms of reference and full public transparency. Gambians deserve nothing less than the truth, accountability, and meaningful reform.

Read the rest in our statement