By Adama Maksuba
Gambian Army Brigadier General Bora Colley has been laid to rest in his home village of Foni Besse. He passed away on Monday night while in state custody, prompting many to call for an investigation into the circumstances of his death. Colley was 61 years old.
Mourners remembered him as a devoted Muslim who rarely missed the five daily prayers at the village mosque. He was also praised for his generosity throughout his life.
In his eulogy, Imam Jabbi stated, “He was a devoted Muslim who never missed a prayer time. Looking at his face, you could tell he was a devoted believer.” He assured the attendees that they would remain grateful for Colley’s life and “we will remember him forever.”
Among the mourners was Almameh Gibba, the spokesman for the five National Assembly members from Foni, who also honored the deceased, emphasizing his dedication to his faith. Colley fled with former President Yahya Jammeh in 2017 and lived in exile for eight years in Guinea-Bissau before returning to The Gambia, where he surrendered to state authorities upon his arrival. Since then, he has been battling an unspecified illness.
Colley was also mentioned in the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission, where several witnesses accused him of involvement in alleged human rights violations sanctioned by Jammeh. In response, the Gambian government has launched a coroner’s inquest to determine the cause of his death.
