In a press release issued on 21 September 2026, Defence Headquarters announced that proceedings would commence on Monday, 22 September 2026, at the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers' Mess, Guards Battalion, Fajara Barracks at 10:00hrs.
According to GAF, Manjang is charged under Section 34 of the Gambia Armed Forces Act 1985, namely Desertion contrary to Section 53 (1) (a) of the Gambia Armed Forces Act, Cap 19:01 Vol. IV, Laws of The Gambia 2009.
"The particulars of the offence state, among other things that, Lieutenant Colonel Sanna Manjang, on or about 21st January 2017, absented yourself from your duty post at the State Guards Battalion in Banjul, and continued to absent yourself for a continuous period of nine years with the intention of deserting and thereby committed an offence," the statement said.
GAF said the court martial is presided over by a panel of senior officers led by Colonel Ousman Bah as President, assisted by Honourable Justice Omar Cham as Judge Advocate. Director of Public Prosecutions A.M. Yusuph or his representatives, assisted by a team of GAF lawyers, will serve as prosecutors.
The accused has been provided with a team of Defending Officers, although he may inform the Officer Under Instruction of the defending officer or counsel of his choice. GAF said proceedings are open to the media and general public.
"The conduct of the Court Martial underscores the commitment of the Armed Forces to justice, accountability, protection of fundamental rights and respect for the rule of law," the statement added.
Manjang is alleged to have been a member of the "Junglers," a paramilitary unit that operated under former President Yahya Jammeh and was implicated in serious human rights violations by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
After fleeing The Gambia in January 2017 when Jammeh was forced into exile, Manjang spent nearly nine years as a fugitive.
GAF confirmed he was arrested on 29 November 2025 in the Casamance Region of southern Senegal during a joint security operation by Gambian and Senegalese forces and subsequently extradited to The Gambia, where he was remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison.
His arrest was celebrated by human rights advocates and victims' families as a major breakthrough for accountability.
Following his return, Manjang was put on trial before the High Court in Banjul on multiple grave charges linked to TRRC findings, including allegations related to the 2004 killing of journalist Deyda Hydara and the 2005-2006 killings of Ndongo Mboob, Haruna Jammeh, Kajali Jammeh and Samba Wurry.
In a development that drew strong reactions, the High Court on 17 July 2026 permitted the State to amend its indictment, dropping all high-profile murder and conspiracy allegations. The case was narrowed to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm involving Tamsir Jasseh and military officer Yaya M.S. Darboe.
Manjang opened his defence on 28 July 2026. The reasons for the amendment have not been fully detailed in open court, but the move has raised concerns among civil society about the pace of TRRC-related prosecutions.
The court martial is a separate proceeding under military law relating specifically to desertion, considered a serious offence, particularly for an officer.
It operates independently of the High Court trial and its outcome will not determine the civilian charges. However, both form part of broader accountability efforts for alleged crimes committed during the former regime.
GAF has not indicated how long the court martial will last. As of publication, Manjang's defence team had not issued a public statement on the desertion charge.
