Gambia leader’s upset heartens families of the disappeared
KANIFING, Gambia — Fatoumata Sawaneh tried to hold back tears while talking about her father, one of hundreds of people who disappeared during the 22-year reign of President Yahya Jammeh in this tiny West African country.
Imam Ousman Sawaneh was arrested in October 2015, picked up as he led volunteers clearing grass in the local cemetery. His detention, for unknown reasons, bewildered his family.
“We don’t have access to see him,” she says, breaking down into sobs.