The alleged leader of a failed coup attempt in The Gambia’s sister has demanded his release, claiming that he was not involved in any plot to overthrow President Adama Barrow’s government.
After the government said that Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera had planned an attempt at a coup, he was taken into custody a week ago.
Two people are in custody on drug-related charges
The government reported that two additional officers were detained over the weekend.
The total number of people arrested for the alleged plot has now reached seven.
None of the blamed has at this point been charged in court.
The oldest sister of the Lance Corporal, Alia Fadera, stated in an interview with the BBC that because he was only a Navy medic and had no access to weapons or influence in the military, he could not have planned a coup.
She continued, “We have not heard from him since my brother’s arrest, and we are worried.”
According to Mrs. Fadera, the military had taken her brother from his place of employment in the capital, Banjul, to their village in Kiang Nema, 155 kilometers (96 miles) away.
“His home and ranch were looked through by the military however no weapon was found,” she added.
According to Mrs. Fadera, the allegation against her brother has devastated her brother’s family, which includes his wife and four children.
He drove every day to and from work and, in his spare time, ran a reptile farm.
“The entire village is shocked, and most of the villagers went outside to see what was going on when the military truck arrived. Mrs. Fadera stated, “I’m urging the authorities to release my brother.”
Meanwhile, the military intelligence unit’s Capt Ebrima Baldeh and the First Infantry Battalion’s Lieutenant Omar Colley were named by the government as the most recent officers to be detained.
A full investigation into the alleged coup plot would be conducted by a panel, according to the government statement.
The Gambia is a country in West Africa that is mostly stable. It is popular with vacationers because of its beaches and wildlife.
Since the government announced on Tuesday that it had stopped a coup attempt, life has gone on as usual.
After a shocking victory in the 2016 elections over Yahya Jammeh, the long-time ruler, President Barrow took office for the first time.
Human rights violations and state repression marked Mr. Jammeh’s 22-year rule.
After his defeat, he fled to Equatorial Guinea, but he continues to be influential in The Gambia.
President Barrow has a bad relationship with the military. His personal security is handled by soldiers from Senegal, while Nigerian and Ghanaian troops guard the main international airport and sea port.
As a result, he has lost the support of many Gambians, who believe that by relying on outside forces, he has compromised the sovereignty of the nation.
