A court martial at Yundum Barracks has found eight soldiers guilty of plotting to overthrow the government of President Adama Barrow.
The soldiers are Cpt. Yahya Jammeh, Lt. Abdoulie Jarju, Lt. Yahya Jammeh, Sgt. Babucarr Sanneh, Sgt. Malick Bojang, Lance Corporal Abba Badjie, Private Mbemba Camara and Private Alieu Sanneh. They were arrested with four other soldiers in 2017 for alleged Whatsapp-recorded meetings about overthrowing the government. They were charged with nine offences including treason and mutiny.
According to their initial particulars of offence, the twelve officers have conspired to unlawfully overthrow the government of The Gambia by arresting all ministers, battalion commanders and senior members of The Gambia Armed Forces, as well as forcefully take armoury from guards.
The convicted soldiers could face a life in jail or death. They will be sentenced on Monday, May 27.
Meanwhile, the remaining four have been found not guilty.