Did Chairman Jawara Abscond During Visit to US? Kuntaur Chairman Remains in the US After 14-Day Ultimatum

By Buba Gagigo

The Chairman of Kuntaur Area Council, Saikou Jawara, has not returned from the United States of America despite a resolution by the council urging his return within fourteen days.

Having embarked on a fourteen-day official mission to the U.S. in September, concerns have arisen over Chairman Jawara’s prolonged absence, leading to speculation that he may have absconded.

Insiders at the Kuntaur Area Council disclosed that they have received credible information indicating the chairman’s reluctance to return. The source suggested that the chairman, possibly fearing repercussions over alleged financial mismanagement at the council, might be avoiding his return. Despite assurances and claims of lobbying for projects, there is skepticism among council members regarding his eventual return.

“We already got clear information that the chairman will not return back. I understand that he is afraid to come back because of the mismanagement of funds that happened at the council. He is afraid that the commission might catch him. He first went to Brazil and came back. He said he had a sugar cane project, but even that project has failed. Now they keep on telling us he will come back, but we already know he will not come. He went with the CEO, but the CEO is back, and he remained there for four months now. He keeps on telling us he’s lobbying for projects, and he will come in early January, until today we didn’t see him,” our source at Kuntaur Area Council said.

Another source suggested that the chairman has already begun working in the United States, adding weight to the belief that his return may not happen. As a result, there are calls for a by-election to fill the void left by Chairman Jawara’s prolonged absence.

“We already know the chairman will not come back. I understand he has already started working there. So it is important to go far, a by-election at this stage.”

It was noted that both Chairman Saikou Jawara and Chief Executive Officer Momodou Sambou were in the U.S. to attend a mayoral conference from September 21st to October 4th, 2023. While the CEO has returned, the chairman remains absent, prompting discussions about the possibility of a by-election at this juncture.