Michael Sang Correa, the alleged Jungler
By Buba Gagigo
Pharing Sanyang, a former military trainer, testified on Thursday in the ongoing trial of Michael Sang Correa, recounting harrowing experiences of torture allegedly carried out by Correa and his colleagues—known as the Junglers—during the aftermath of the failed 2006 coup attempt.
Sanyang told the court that he was arrested at the Banjul International Airport after the failed coup and taken to Mile 2 Prison, where he was stripped, searched, and transferred to the maximum-security wing. There, he said, he endured a brutal 15-minute beating by the Junglers using sticks and metal pipes. He specifically recalled Michael Sang Correa beating him aggressively until his stick broke, then using hand gestures to instruct his colleagues to continue beating him—and to kill him.
The witness, who had met Correa in the early 2000s but said the accused never attended his training sessions, also described multiple torture sessions at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). According to Sanyang, he was bleeding after Malick Jatta struck him with a pistol, and Jatta later hit him again with a hammer, allegedly saying, “Yesterday it was you, but today it’s me.” He recounted being blindfolded, taken to an interrogation panel, and asked to confess to involvement in the coup attempt. Upon his refusal, he was tortured again—this time with sand poured into his eyes, which he said required eleven operations.
Sanyang said he was forced to sign a statement and record a video apologizing to former President Yahya Jammeh. When he initially resisted, he was electrocuted for several minutes. He eventually gave in to avoid further torture.
In a shocking revelation, Sanyang alleged that former President Yahya Jammeh had twice ordered him to kill journalist Deyda Hydara, but he refused. He also testified that he declined an invitation to join the Junglers between 2003 and 2004.
Hon. Demba Dem Recounts Detention and Torture for Opposing Government Bills
Also taking the stand this week was former National Assembly Member for Niani, Honourable Demba Dem. He recalled being targeted by the regime after opposing a media bill he described as “draconian.” Dem said he and Remzie Diab, then chair of his parliamentary committee, refused to support the bill, which led to his fallout with President Jammeh.
He testified that the day after his public dissent, he was arrested at his office by state security officers following a setup by an NIA agent posing as a job seeker. He was detained for three hours and later arrested again for his continued criticism of government actions. During questioning at the NIA, he was warned to “watch his back” but maintained that he stood firm in serving the nation.
Dem further testified that after news broke of the 2006 coup attempt, he was arrested upon returning from parliamentary duties in rural Gambia. He was taken to Mile 2’s maximum-security wing and later handed over to the Junglers, among whom he recognized Michael Sang Correa.
During the journey to the NIA, Dem said he was abused inside the vehicle. At the agency, he faced an intimidating panel of about 30 individuals. If his answers didn’t satisfy them, he was sent downstairs for severe beatings. Despite injuries, he was returned to the panel for continued interrogation.
He recounted being slapped by Jungler Alagie Martin and said NIA officer Foday Barry intervened to stop further assault. Dem said he was later taken to the torture chamber by Correa and other Junglers, where they put a plastic bag over his head, poured cold water on him, and beat him. He testified that the accused melted plastic and dropped it on his body while NIA officer Baba Sawo ordered his electrocution. His legs were hung with chains, and he was further beaten.
Dem also alleged that he was stabbed by Ismaila Jammeh after refusing to sign a fabricated statement. He witnessed Malick Jatta pistol-whipping the late Captain Pierre Mendy, inflicting severe injuries.
He was later charged with treason and conspiracy to commit treason, and after spending one year and four months in detention, he was acquitted and discharged by The Gambia’s High Court.