Major General James G. Blunt

The 2022 Gambian coup attempt was a military coup d'état attempt which took place in The Gambia on 20 December 2022. Reportedly, some soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of President Adama Barrow.[3] Four soldiers were arrested on suspicion of involvement.[4] The Gambian military initially denied that any such coup attempt took place.[5] It also went after three other alleged conspirators.[6] The coup leader was later named as LCpl Sanna Fadera. The attempt was condemned by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the main opposition party, the UDP.[7]

UDP leader Momodou Sabally, who had served as the minister of presidential affairs under Yahya Jammeh, had suggested in a video released before the coup that Barrow would be overthrown before the 2023 Gambian local elections. He was arrested after the government foiled the plot,[8] but was later released unconditionally.[9] On 3 January 2023 the government charged two civilians and a sub-inspector of The Gambia Police Force for taking part in the plot.[1] Eight soldiers were later charged on 6 January.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b "Gambia charges two civilians and a police officer in alleged coup plot". Africanews. 4 January 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  2. ^ a b Sofia Christensen (7 January 2023). "Gambia charges eight soldiers over foiled coup". Reuters. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Gambia foils alleged coup attempt". The West Australian. 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  4. ^ "Gambia foils alleged coup attempt, arrests four soldiers". Reuters. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  5. ^ Wally, Omar (2022-12-21). "Gambia coup attempt foiled - government". BBC News. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  6. ^ "Four soldiers arrested after alleged coup attempt in The Gambia". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  7. ^ Wally, Omar (December 22, 2022). "Gambia navy officer behind failed coup bid - government". BBC News.
  8. ^ "The Gambia: Former minister released after alleged coup". Deutsche Welle. 30 December 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  9. ^ Sanneh, Kemeseng (30 December 2022). "Police release Momodou Sabally". Foroyaa Newspaper. Retrieved 9 February 2023.

See also