A $48 million police forensic laboratory project, reportedly signed by former Interior Minister Mai Fatty in 2017, has no trace of its existence. Current Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang informed the National Assembly that his ministry possesses no records or documents related to the project. The revelation comes amidst questions regarding the allocation and tracking of significant public funds in Gambia, particularly concerning large-scale government contracts.
Project's Ambitions and Disappearance
The proposed project envisioned a advanced forensic and scientific DNA laboratory, coupled with a DNA database centre, which was described as the first and best of its kind in Africa. This ambitious undertaking was intended to significantly enhance the country's investigative capabilities and contribute to regional security through advanced scientific methods. Mai Fatty, the former Interior Minister, maintains that the project never progressed beyond the initial signing stage. The contract agreement for this ambitious undertaking was reportedly signed with Dr Cheikh Tidiane Sy, a purported project partner from Senegal. The signing of the agreement marked a public commitment to a project that was heralded as a major step forward for the nation.
The agreement's signing occurred in 2017. At that time, current Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang served as a senior police officer and, according to reports, may have been aware of or present at the signing ceremony. This detail adds another layer of scrutiny, as it suggests a degree of continuity in the knowledge base within the ministry regarding the project's inception. Activist Madi Jobarteh has noted the lack of documentation for a project touted to be of such significant scale and regional importance. The absence of records has led to calls for greater transparency regarding public funds. The activist has questioned how a project described as pioneering for the continent could vanish without any trace in official government files. This situation has prompted further scrutiny of the processes surrounding large-scale government contracts and the accountability of public officials. The initial announcement of the project had raised national expectations, with the promise of a facility that would set a new standard for forensic science in the region.
Activist's Scrutiny and Questions
Human rights activist Madi Jobarteh has called on the National Assembly to summon both former Interior Minister Mai Fatty and current Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang for questioning regarding the vanished forensic lab project. Jobarteh noted that government resources were deployed, public statements were made, and national expectations were raised during what he described as an official state ceremony for the project. This public display of commitment, according to Jobarteh, makes the current lack of documentation even more perplexing and concerning. He questioned how Fatty could claim the project never progressed beyond the signing if he did not leave office immediately after. "Mai Fatty did not leave office the day after signing the agreement," Jobarteh stated. "How then can he now casually claim that the project never progressed beyond the signing ceremony? What happened the next day, the following week, the following month, and throughout the remainder of his tenure as minister? Why would a government sign such a high-profile project only to allow it to die immediately on the signing table?" Jobarteh’s questions show the need for a detailed timeline of events and a clear explanation from the former minister regarding the project's status during his time in office.
Jobarteh expressed concern over the claim that there is "no trace of the agreement or related documents" within government files. The activist suggested that this absence of records indicates either that documents are being deliberately concealed, that gross negligence occurred in preserving official government papers, or that the entire exercise was merely a public relations spectacle designed to create an impression of progress without substantive action. He pressed for accountability regarding the project's disappearance, emphasizing the potential implications for public trust and the integrity of government operations. "Mai Ahmad Fatty owes the nation answers," Jobarteh said. "To whom did he hand over the signed documents? Is he saying he cannot identify a single office, department, desk, or official that received custody of the agreement? Does he have a personal copy, correspondence, briefing notes, or records relating to the project? Did he prepare handing-over notes for his successor, and if so, was this project mentioned?" These detailed questions aim to pinpoint the exact moment and reason for the project's alleged disappearance from official records, demanding a full account from the former minister.
He further questioned the current minister's position, given his previous role. "Is he claiming that he received no handing-over notes when he assumed office?" Jobarteh asked of Abdoulie Sanyang. "Is he saying that neither the Ministry of Interior nor the Gambia Police Force possesses any records relating to a project that was publicly launched by the government?" Jobarteh concluded, asking, "Is he now saying that across the entire Ministry and police establishment, no one can locate a single document relating to this supposedly landmark initiative?" The activist's persistent questioning seeks to establish whether the lack of documentation is systemic or specific to this project, and where the responsibility lies for the missing information.
Calls for Accountability
Madi Jobarteh, CEO of the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice, has intensified his calls for transparency regarding the vanished forensic lab project. His organization advocates for good governance and human rights, making this investigation a central focus. Jobarteh pressed for accountability, questioning the former minister's assertions. "Mai Ahmad Fatty owes the nation answers," Jobarteh stated, asking, "To whom did he hand over the signed documents? Is he saying he cannot identify a single office, department, desk, or official that received custody of the agreement? Does he have a personal copy, correspondence, briefing notes, or records relating to the project? Did he prepare handing-over notes for his successor, and if so, was this project mentioned?" These inquiries are key for understanding the chain of custody for official documents and the procedures followed during ministerial transitions.
The activist also directed questions towards current Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang, particularly in light of Sanyang's role as a senior police officer in 2017, when the project agreement was signed. "Is he claiming that he received no handing-over notes when he assumed office?" Jobarteh asked. He further queried, "Is he saying that neither the Ministry of Interior nor the Gambia Police Force possesses any records relating to a project that was publicly launched by the government?" Jobarteh concluded by asking, "Is he now saying that across the entire Ministry and police establishment, no one can locate a single document relating to this supposedly landmark initiative?" The persistent demand for answers from both past and present officials shows the gravity of the situation and the public's right to information regarding significant government expenditures and projects. The call for a parliamentary inquiry reflects the growing frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the $48 million project.
