Defense Attorney Claims Correa Was Coerced Into Torturing His Victims

 

Photo: Courtroom

By Samba Jawo reporting from the USA

In a striking argument presented in court, the defence attorney for Michael Sang Correa asserted that his client was manipulated and coerced into committing heinous acts of torture against his victims, raising questions about the extent of his culpability in these crimes.

Jared Westbroek, lawyer for the alleged Gambian Jungler, during his Tuesday opening statements at the trial, told jurors that his client was a low-ranking private officer, arguing that he was coerced to torture his victim.

Jared Westbroek argued that Mr Correa was compelled to obey commands from his superiors, and disobeying those instructions would have risked him being tortured or killed—and would not witness a day like (today) in court.

The ex-jungler, 41, is accused of severely torturing soldiers suspected of attempting to overthrow former exile Gambian President Jammeh in 2006.

He was slapped with six counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture. But count five was dropped during the binging of the trial after a key witness was unable to travel to the U.S. to testify. He is also recorded as the third individual and the first foreign national to be prosecuted in the U.S. for committing torture abroad.

According to the defence counsel, his client has no choice but to refuse orders from his superiors, and in doing so, he would also be suggested to arrest, torture, or kill.

He said it was a well-known adage "comply now and complain later" in the Gambia Army Forces. Counsel Westbroek states that it was a culture nurtured, especially by junior soldiers, and his client was no exception.

According to Correa’s attorney, the continued threats in the unit had him not have a choice about whether to participate in torture—let alone, a decision to make about whether to join a conspiracy.

“Following an order is not the same as agreeing,” Westbroek told jurors.

He added: “It is hard for Americans who live in a “very blessed country” with the freedom to understand Correa’s situation.”

“The defendant is on trial today because of the choices he made,” Marie Zisa, Justice Department attorney also told jurors, while asking them to find Correa, who was sitting with his attorneys, guilty of all six charges.

“The victims have not forgotten his cruelty,” she stated.

She said that one of the alleged victims (a soldier) was stuffed into a bag, suspended high in the air, and then dropped to the ground.

“Some people were tortured before they were questioned by a panel investigating the coup, while others were later subjected to torture, including beatings that could last hours,“ Zisa further said.

The prosecution's first witness is Prof. Maggie Dwyer, an expert in African Studies & International Development at the University of Edinburgh. Her expertise lies in comparative analysis across West Africa, including The Gambia.

Professor Dwyer's testimony established the historical and geographical context of the case and addressed the porous nature of the region's borders and coups in the Sahel region.

By Samba Jawo reporting from the USA

In a striking argument presented in court, the defence attorney for Michael Sang Correa asserted that his client was manipulated and coerced into committing heinous acts of torture against his victims, raising questions about the extent of his culpability in these crimes.

Jared Westbroek, lawyer for the alleged Gambian Jungler, during his Tuesday opening statements at the trial, told jurors that his client was a low-ranking private officer, arguing that he was coerced to torture his victim.

Jared Westbroek argued that Mr Correa was compelled to obey commands from his superiors, and disobeying those instructions would have risked him being tortured or killed—and would not witness a day like (today) in court.

The ex-jungler, 41, is accused of severely torturing soldiers suspected of attempting to overthrow former exile Gambian President Jammeh in 2006.

He was slapped with six counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture. But count five was dropped during the binging of the trial after a key witness was unable to travel to the U.S. to testify. He is also recorded as the third individual and the first foreign national to be prosecuted in the U.S. for committing torture abroad.

According to the defence counsel, his client has no choice but to refuse orders from his superiors, and in doing so, he would also be suggested to arrest, torture, or kill.

He said it was a well-known adage "comply now and complain later" in the Gambia Army Forces. Counsel Westbroek states that it was a culture nurtured, especially by junior soldiers, and his client was no exception.

According to Correa’s attorney, the continued threats in the unit had him not have a choice about whether to participate in torture—let alone, a decision to make about whether to join a conspiracy.

“Following an order is not the same as agreeing,” Westbroek told jurors.

He added: “It is hard for Americans who live in a “very blessed country” with the freedom to understand Correa’s situation.”

“The defendant is on trial today because of the choices he made,” Marie Zisa, Justice Department attorney also told jurors, while asking them to find Correa, who was sitting with his attorneys, guilty of all six charges.

“The victims have not forgotten his cruelty,” she stated.

She said that one of the alleged victims (a soldier) was stuffed into a bag, suspended high in the air, and then dropped to the ground.

“Some people were tortured before they were questioned by a panel investigating the coup, while others were later subjected to torture, including beatings that could last hours,“ Zisa further said.

The prosecution's first witness is Prof. Maggie Dwyer, an expert in African Studies & International Development at the University of Edinburgh. Her expertise lies in comparative analysis across West Africa, including The Gambia.

Professor Dwyer's testimony established the historical and geographical context of the case and addressed the porous nature of the region's borders and coups in the Sahel region.

Story edited by Ousman A. Marong.

Correa Cleared Of Count 5 As State Prosecutor Dismisses Charges

Photo: Alleged Jungler Correa.

By Samba Jawo reporting from the USA

 

Michael Sang Correa, an alleged Jungler of former President Yahya Jammeh's notorious dead squad also known as the 'Black Scorpions' a separate body of the Gambia Army Force (GAF), in a significant legal development has been cleared of one charge against him as the state prosecutor dismissed Count 5 in a high-profile case, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing judicial proceedings surrounding his alleged involvement of torture.

Assistant US State Prosecutor Melissa Hindman on Monday applied for the dismissal of count 5 against Michael Sang Correa due to witness Bunja Darbeo's travelling to the United States to testify.

According to her application, the witness is a serving member of the Gambia Army Force, GAF, and he is currently on deployment.

 

The defence team did object to this application, and federal judge Christine M. Arguello dismissed the count in total.

 

Count 5 stated that the defendant, Michael Sang Correa together with others both known and unknown to the grand jury did, while specifically intending to inflict severe physical pain and suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanctions) commit and attempt to commit torture, while acting under colour of law, by committing and causing and aiding and abetting others to commit acts against another person known to the grand jury (referred to herein as Victim 4) within their custody and physical control, and further, the defendant, Michael Sang Correa, together with others both known and unknown to the grand jury, did knowingly and intentionally aid, abet, counsel, command,  induce, and procure each other's participation in the commission of the said offence.

 

 This story is been edited by Ousman A. Marong.

 

Federal Judge Set To Hear Cause Against Correa Today In The USA

Photo: Micheal Sang Correa (Photo credit Facebook).

 

By Samba Jawo reporting from the USA 

In a pivotal legal showdown, a federal judge in the United States of America, USA, is scheduled to hear a high-profile case involving Michael Sang Correa, an alleged member of a former Gambia dictator, notorious dead squad today, potentially shaping the political landscape and legal precedents in the United States (USA). 

This case, which has drawn international attention, could influence ongoing discussions about political asylum, corruption, and accountability on a global scale. Correa, 41, an alleged 'Jungler' whose members have confessed to committing torture and other serious human rights abuses following a failed coup d’état in 2006, tortured suspected coup members and extracted forced confessions. 

Survivors of this torture testified at Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) that Correa personally tortured them or was present while other 'Junglers' engaged in torture. Justice Christine M. Arguello is a Federal Judge on the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. Judge Arguello has decided that on Monday, 7 April 2025, she will conduct jury selection in the ceremonial courtroom (2d floor). 

There will be space for the public inside the courtroom for those who want to attend. Michael Correa, 41, is an alleged member of the notorious death squad whose members have confessed to committing torture and other serious human rights abuses. Following a failed coup d’état in 2006, the 'Junglers' tortured suspected coup members and extracted forced confessions. Survivors of this torture testified at Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) that Correa personally tortured them or was present while other 'Junglers' engaged in the torture. 

The proceedings will be held in Judge Arguello's courtroom on the 6th floor, (Courtroom A602), and there will be opening statements. The first Gambian government witness is expected to give testimony. In 2006, The Gambia’s National Intelligence Agency’s report on interrogations following the attempted coup also implicated Correa in torture. Former 'Junglers' told the Truth-Seeking Commission that Correa not only tortured individuals suspected of planning the coup but also participated in numerous other extrajudicial killings, including the killing of journalists Dayda Hydara and Chief Ebrima Manneh in 2012 and the murder of Gambian-Americans Alhagie Mamut Ceesay and Ebou Jobe in 2013. 

On September 17, 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security arrested Correa in Denver, Colorado, for overstaying his visa. Following news of his detention, a coalition of human rights organizations and Correa’s victims, including CJA, the African Network Against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances, the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations, the Guernica Centre for International Justice, Human Rights Watch, the Solo Sandeng Foundation, and TRIAL International called on the United States to investigate the credible allegations of grave international crimes committed by Correa in Gambia. On February 18, 2020, U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy and Richard Durbin also urged the government to investigate Correa and, if warranted, to prosecute him in the United States. 

This story was reported by Samba Jawo from the USA and was edited by Ousman A. Marong.

Failed Negotiations: Edrisa Nyan's Family Locked in Dispute Over Exhumed Grave

 

Photo: Pc Of MK Mosque

By Ousman A. Marong

Amidst deepening family tensions, the recent exhumation of Edrisa Nyan's grave has sparked a bitter dispute among relatives, following failed negotiations between the exhumers, family members of the late Edrisa Nyan and representatives from the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC), led by its North Bank Regional Chairman Mr Ebrima Jallow that sought to resolve their conflicting views on his final resting place. As emotions run high, the family grapples with not only grief but also the complexities of tradition and legalities surrounding burial practices.

All negotiations failed as the family of the deceased stood their ground in succumbing to any agreement except that they wanted to see the remains of their father back to his previous grave.

In attendance were the representatives of the chief of the region, a CID officer, representatives of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC), the Imam of the village and family members of the deceased.

Upon failed negotiations between the exhumers and the family of the late village head, the representatives from the GSIC asked the victims to exercise patience and gave them an ultimatum of 3 - days to rethink the issue, and if they remained defiant, then the matter would resort to court.

Here is what the law says about digging graves

In the Gambia, the act of unlawfully digging up a grave and transferring human remains without authorization is addressed under section 205 of the Criminal Code  Act No. 25 of 1993. This section criminalizes trespassing on burial sites and showing disrespect to human corpses. Specifically, it states that anyone who, with the intent to hurt the feelings of others or insult their religion, trespasses on a burial place or offers indignity to a human corpse commits an offence.

Upon conviction, the individual is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, a fine or both.

Additionally, Section 312 of the same code provides a general punishment for willfully and unlawfully destroying or damaging property. While it does not explicitly mention graves, this section could potentially apply, prescribing a penalty of imprisonment for up to two years for such offences.

Ghancoy 8's Generous Gift Fuels Ngonjon Mosque's Community Spirit

Photo: Members of Ghancoy 8 together with the Ngonjon Mosque Commitee 

By Ousman A. Marong

In a heartwarming display of generosity, the Ghanaian Ecomig Forces (Ghancoy 8), stationed in Barra in the North Bank Region (NBR), has made a substantial contribution to the Ngonjon Mosque, igniting a renewed sense of unity and purpose within the community. This generous gift not only supports the mosque's ongoing initiatives but also strengthens bonds among residents, showcasing the power of collective goodwill in uplifting local spirits.

The donated items include bags of rice, oil, praying mats, portable drinking water bottles, canteens of tamarins, etc, to list a few.

The presentation ceremony was over the weekend held at Ngonjon village in the lower Niumi District of the North Bank Region (NBR).

Speaking on behalf of the contingent commander was Captain Christle Monday Odame of the Barra base camp, who outlined the contingent's good rapport with the people of the North Bank Region.

She said: "We had a good rapport with the people of the North Bank Region, so, at every point in time, their consent is in our hearts. While they were fasting we thought it wise that once they were done we would be able to give them some items to relieve them of their fast, so they enjoy not only with the civilians but the community as well and that's why our contingent commander, as well as the civic team, thought it wise to come and do this donation. We will try as much as possible to reach the four (4), corners of the North Bank Region (NBA). We may not be able to reach all of them within our timeframe. Yesterday, we went to Banjul to commission the Banjul ferry terminal's mosque, and hopefully, our contribution, support and donations should reach everywhere 'In Shaa Allah," she concluded.

On his part, the Imam Ratib of Ngonjon village, Mamadou Sowe, prayed for the continuous blessings of the Ghanaian Economic Forces in the Gambia, particularly the ones stationed in Barra. He said the donation was timely while describing it as big.

"The gesture may be seen as small to you (the Ghancoy 8 group), but it is a big thing to us," he asserted.

On How The ECOWAS Forces Came Into The Gambia

The ECOWAS military intervention was installed in the Gambia amidst its constitutional crisis. Several member states' military intervenes in the country militarily at the request of President Adama Barrow to restore democracy in the country without resistance from pro-Jammeh forces.

Former President Jammeh leaves the country as forces approach Banjul, and Barrow arrives as President days later.

According to report 2,500 ECOWAS troops remain in The Gambia.

Government Exposed As Sonko Exonerates Superant Fronteres Over Ambulance Donation

 

 

Karamo Sonko Of UDP

 By Ousman A. Marong

 

The United Democratic Party's Regional Executive Member for Lower Niumi District, Mr Karamo Sonko, has confirmed the ambulance among its fleet of medical items was donated by the Superant Frontieres, a Spanish Charitable Foundation, through his partnership and not that of the government.

Sonko has further accused the government of President Adama Barrow of using the donated ambulances to score political points and also to canvas votes ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.

The UDP candidate for the Essau Ward made the exposure over the weekend during a Current Affairs radio program on Niumi FM radio called the Eyeball Show, anchored by Ousman A. Marong and Mam Jarra Camara.

The opposition United Democratic Party, UDP's Karamo Sonko, narrated how the donation and partnership came about.

He said the donation came from Buba Jammeh, a family member who is the Gambian representative of the Spanish Charitable Foundation (Superant Frontieres).

“Buba Jammeh is a family member who wishes to support my candidacy and party politics. Upon my defeat to Michele Mendy during the local government elections, I still want to live up to my campaign promise, which is to plough back to society. Mr. Jammeh, ask me what I think should be done for the Essau District Hospital. I told him I wanted his support through Superant Fronteres to donate medical supplies and an ambulance to the Essau District Hospital,” he narrated.

It could be recalled that in November of 2024, the government of the Gambia, through the Ministry of Health (MoH), is said to have secured a donation of essential medical supplies with an ambulance through a partnership with their Gambian, NGO, was made possible to donate to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), and the Essau District Hospital, respectively.

According to Karamo Sonko, the government's claim of securing a partnership deal with Associacia Superant Fronteres, a Spanish Charitable Foundation to donate to the said hospitals was through his gesture and not the other way around.

He narrated how the donation and partnership came about, conjugating it to Buba Jammeh, a family member who is the Gambian representative of the Spanish Charitable Foundation (Superant Frontieres).

“Buba Jammeh is a family member who wishes to support my candidacy and party politics. Upon my defeat to Michele Mendy during the local government elections, I still want to live up to my campaign promise, which is to plough back to society. Mr. Jammeh, ask me what I think should be done for the Essau District Hospital. I told him I wanted his support through Superant Fronteres to donate medical supplies and an ambulance to the Essau District Hospital. My partners, upon agreeing to give support to the Essau District Hospital, have shipped the medical supplies in containers and shipped them to the Gambia, except for the ambulance, which came via land and was stocked in Morocco. Officials at the Morocco border held the ambulance because they said people took them from Spain to Africa in the name of donation and later sold them. The involvement of government in this was when the ambulance was stranded in Morocco and they were to prepare us a border crossing clearance document to indicate that the said ambulance was indeed meant for hospital donation and nothing more,” he narrated.

He thanked Bakary Sanneh, the OIC at the Essau District Hospital, for guiding and providing them (the donors) with what kind of support the hospital needed.

He continued: “They (the government), believe that my intention and wish to donate to the hospital with an ambulance was impossible. They were not taking us seriously,” he said.

Sonko challenged anyone to provide proof indicating that the donation was through a government partnership and not his.

He said: “It would be mind-boggling for one to think to suggest that the donated materials came through government. If that were so, why was no single government representative present during the handing-over ceremony at the Essau District Hospital? This should tell you they (the government), have nothing to do with the donation.”

The philanthropist cum politician compounded his chest and bravely stated what he has done for the people of the North Bank Region, NBR, the government of President Adama Barrow hasn't done a quarter of it.

Sonko, who lost against Michael Mendy in the local government elections asked the people of the North Bank Region particularly, Barra, Essau, Mayamba, etc to give their back to President Adama Barrow, and his NPP, party saying he had nothing to offer to the people of NBR, and that he is taking them a ride.

“Let me tell you one secret in politics and that is the regions or towns that always prove their loyalty to any ruling government are always the regions or towns that the government give its back to in terms of development. Why do you think your radio station was not part of the media houses that benefited from the D40 million Dalasi government's good image media contract? It's simple and it's just that your media house is stationed in rural Gambia and Niumi (Essau), a region that the president gave his back to,” he concluded.

West Africa Fights Back: Organised Crime Takes Aim At Human Trafficking

 

 

Photo: Members Of TOC.

 

 By Ousman A. Marong

 

The Transnational Organised Crime (TOC), West Africa in collaboration with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights(ACHPR), together with the CSO groups working on human rights, UNODC, IOM, OHCHR, Interpol, Academics and researchers specializing in TOC, human rights and related fields with funding from the European Union (EU), is poised to take step in combatting Human Trafficking, armed conflicts fueled by illicit trafficking, extrajudicial killings, force labour and other forms of exploration that constitute grave violation of human dignity.

 

Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) poses a significant threat to human rights across Africa, undermining governance, security and development. However, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) is playing a critical role in promoting and protecting human rights in the face of these threats.

The meeting was held on Friday, 13th March 2025 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. The convergence brought together human rights lawyers, CSOs, migration experts and people from different sectors to devise strategies towards combatting TOC causes.

Dr Feyi Ogunade, Regional Coordinator, Transnational Organised Crime, TOC, said the converging was meant to examine how the African Commission can combat and address Transnational Organised Crime.

“It is always my belief that TOC causes can be addressed. We did not do much on Transnational Organised Crime. We primarily focus on human rights issues, which are the promotion and protection of civil, political and social rights. There are other obligations that the African Commission can address, and that's Transnational Organised Crimes. When you look at the interface at the conference on human rights and TOC, you see so many violations of human rights and TOCs. A typical example is human trafficking, smuggling in person from the time people are being smuggled till they enter the boats from Libya to the Mediterranean Sea. Thousand and thousands of would-be migrants or smugglers have lost their lives. More people have died in the Shara desert,” said Dr Feyi Ogunade, regional coordinator of Transnational Organised Crime.

 

In her part, Enya Braun, EU Programme Manager on Governance Cooperation (PMGC), said Transnational Organised Crimes know no borders, and its impact reaches societies threatening governance, security and the fundamental rights of people across the world.

 

She continued: “The European Union (EU) has now recognised the urgency of addressing Transnational Organised Crime not only as a security challenge but also as a way of human rights concerns. TOC undermine the rule of law, enables corruption and weakens state institutions, leaving communities vulnerable and deprived of basic protection.”

Background Of Transnational Organised Crime (TOC).

Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) in Africa manifests in various forms, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cybercrime. These criminal activities traverse national borders, necessitating a coordinated and multifaceted response. The ACHPR, established by the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, is mandated to promote and protect human rights, interpret the African Charter and ensure its implementation. Strengthening the ACHPR's capacity to address TOC is crucial to safeguarding human rights and promoting justice.

Expert Weighs In: Can West Africa Defeat Transnational Organised Crime?

Photo: Members of TOC
Photo Credit (Pa Modou Cham)

By Mam Jarra Camara 

Enhancing Africa's Response to Transnational Organised Crime (TOC), on Friday 14 March 2025, challenged the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, ACHPR, together with the CSO groups, UNODC, IOM, OHCHR, Interpol, Academics and researchers specializing in TOC causes with funding from the European Union (EU), on West Africa's Transnational Organised Crime struggle. 

The event was held at the Sir Dawda Kaira, Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, and brought together human rights lawyers, migration personifiers and people from different walks of life pinning strategies towards combatting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). 

Dr. Feyi Ogunade, regional coordinator of Transnational Organised Crime, TOC, expresses concerns and believes that the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), could do more in tackling human rights violations related to TOCs. 

He said that even though there are mechanisms under the ACHPR to address other human rights violations, there is still a need for more advocacy on TOC and its related causes of human rights violations, thus needing to be fortified.

“I have worked for the ACHPR as its legal expert for many, many years and even with that, I strongly believe that TOC causes can be addressed and that the ACHPR can do more in addressing TOCs. ACHPR has for a long time been focusing on addressing other human rights issues, such as the promotion of civil, political and social rights, while limited focus is put on human rights violations related to TOCs. When you look at the interface at the conference on human rights and TOC, you see so many violations of human rights and TOCs. A typical example is human trafficking and smuggling. All types of rights are being violated from the time people are being smuggled till they enter the boats from Niger to Libya down to the Mediterranean Sea,” he said.

He concluded by emphasizing the need for CSO's Collaboration with the ACHPR, saying it's crucial in Safeguarding human rights and promoting justice for TOC victims. 

The gathering was in attendance with magistrate Hassan Jallow, who retorted that the Gambia back in the day was not known, with numerous murder causes linking the increase in murder cases to TOCs.

“All these cases are by-products of TOCs. We at the courts will do our utmost best in making sure that perpetrators who are brought before us answer to the crimes they have committed.” 

Enya Braun, the European Union (EU) Program Manager on Governance Cooperation (PMGC), reiterated the EU’s commitment and support to the ACHPR in promoting human rights and tackling TOC-related human rights violations. 

“The EU had long recognized the urgency of addressing TOC not only as a security challenge but also as a human rights concern. TOCs fuel Human trafficking and undermine the rule of law. It also enables corruption and weakens state institutions, leaving communities vulnerable and deprived of basic protections. EU remains committed to supporting African-led initiatives in addressing Transnational organized crimes and its consequences.”