- President Yahya Jammeh has left Gambians dumbfounded as he appointed a principal magistrate in the country's lower court to fill the portfolio of Justice Minister, which has remained vacant since he dissolved the cabinet on 19 October this year.
Principal Magistrate Kebba Sanyang, who has been presiding over the case of journalist Lamin Fatty of the 'Independent Newspaper', was appointed the Attorney General and Minister of Justice on Monday.
Critics sounded that Mr Sanyang was expecting the appointment that was why he had shifted his previous decision to strike out Mr Fatty's case, despite receiving pressures from the defence counsel to honour his promise.
His appointment came after so many legal luminaries - including the former Sheikh Tijan Hydara who served the post until the last cabinet reshuffle - reportedly turned down the offer.
Mr Sanyang, who has served at various Magistrates' Courts in the country, hitherto held appointment at the Kanifing Magistrates' Court.
Mr Sanyang's appointment sealed President Jammeh's cabinet, but analysts predicted that the chances of future cabinet shake-ups are evident, as hiring and firing has become the order of Gambian government.
The Justice Ministry has always been seen as Mr Jammeh's hopes to cling to power, which is why he is said to keep a close eye on the sector's minister. So far, President Jammeh has hired and fired close to ten justice ministers since he came to power in a coup in 1994.
Whether Mr Sanyang's stint will be long is another question that time will prove. But the former magistrate saw his appointment as recognition of his dedication to services he has been rendering to the judiciary. He therefore praised President Jammeh for granting him the opportunity to serve Gambians while wearing a different cap.
Aged 36, Minister Sanyang obtained law degrees in Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian universities. He became a first class magistrate in 1999. Three years later he was promoted to a senior magistrate before becoming a principal magistrate in 2005.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español