Sacked Gambian Minister Remanded

Saturday, 15 December 2012 00:13

(JollofNews) – A magistrate’s court in the Gambia has today remanded in prison the country’s former minister for Finance and Economic Affairs.

Mamburay Njie, 50, is alleged to have between 2006 and 2010‘recklessly and intentionally’ committed undisclosed ‘acts’ that are detrimental to the economy of the Gambia.

The former minister who was on police bail, was said to have reported to the police headquarters in Banjul this morning as part of his bail conditions when he was detained and subsequently charge with economic crime.

He was later remanded at the Mile Two Prisons by Magistrate Babucarr Secka, while the case is transferred to the High Court where he expected to appear next week.  

An economist and international affairs specialist with over two decades of experience, Mr Njie joined President Yahya Jammeh’s cabinet in July 2010 when he was appointed minister of Economic Planning and Industrial Development (Overseeing Minister, Ministry of Energy).

In February 2011, he was moved to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (Overseeing Minister, Ministry of Energy), a position he held until in April this year when he was appointed minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.

He was later moved to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology but was sacked four days later.

Mr Njie started his career as a cadet economist at the then Ministry of Finance and Trade. He rose through the ranks and served in various capacities such as principal economist and head of Macro-Economic and Financial Analysis Unit, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.

He also served as ambassador to the Republic of China on Taiwan, permanent secretary Office of the President in charge of Energy and Economic Affairs, managing director, Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation, Secretary-General and head of the Civil Service and ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

He was also chairman of the board of directors and board member of public and private institutions in the Gambia.
Written by PK Jarju