Sanna Manjang, described in media reports as a former leader of a so-called "death squad" linked to abuses under former president Yahya Jammeh, has appeared before a military tribunal in The Gambia to face a charge of desertion dating to 2017.
The charge relates to Manjang's alleged departure from the armed forces in the period after Jammeh, who ruled the country for about 20 years, left office following the 2016 election and a political transition earlier in 2017. Details released about the hearing were limited, and court proceedings are continuing.
Jammeh's presidency, which began in 1994, was marked by frequent allegations of human rights abuses and repression of political opponents. Since his exit, Gambian authorities and international and domestic observers have stepped up scrutiny of security forces and officials who served during his administration.
The military trial of Manjang is likely to draw attention as part of broader questions about accountability and the rule of law in the post-Jammeh era. How the tribunal proceeds could be watched closely by victims' groups and rights organisations seeking justice for alleged abuses committed during the former president's tenure.
No verdict has been reported from the proceedings, and it was not immediately clear when the tribunal would reconvene or whether additional charges might follow. Gambian officials have not released further public comment on the case.