Bensouda Threatens D144 Million Defamation Suit Against Former Janneh Commission Official Mamadi Kurang

Gunjur, The Gambia, 20 May 2025 | In a dramatic legal development, Amie Bensouda, former lead counsel of the Janneh Commission, has issued a “cease and desist” notice to Alhagi Mamadi Kurang, the Commission’s dismissed Executive Secretary, demanding an end to what she terms a sustained campaign of defamation - or face legal action to the tune of D144 million, equivalent to $2 million USD.

The letter, sent by legal firm Antouman A.B. Gaye & Co., accuses Mr. Kurang of engaging in public and social media attacks on Mrs. Bensouda, spanning from 2020 to the present, despite his removal from the Commission in 2018. These statements, the letter asserts, have been “calculated to damage” her professional and personal reputation.

Among the specific accusations considered defamatory are:

• Allegations that Mrs. Bensouda was involved in the sale or acquisition of assets seized during the Janneh Commission process.

• Assertions of conflict of interest and shady dealings.

• Repeated implications of bias and misconduct during her tenure.

• Claims that she sought or obtained personal enrichment from her role.

Gunjur Online Editorial Cited

Notably, the letter refers to a 2018/2020 Gunjur Online editorial titled “Guptas of The Gambia: State capture by Bensoudas imperils democracy” as a key component in what Mrs. Bensouda’s legal team describes as Mr. Kurang’s “deliberate campaign of defamation.”

The editorial, written at the height of public scrutiny over the Janneh Commission’s operations, explored potential conflicts of interest and raised concerns about the concentration of power among elite legal and political families - drawing parallels to the infamous Gupta family involved in state capture in South Africa.

Mrs. Bensouda’s legal team argues that Mr. Kurang has continued using coded language, allegedly referring to her with terms like “mafia,” “Guptas,” and “corrupt woman,” without naming her directly - a tactic they claim is designed to avoid liability while still inciting public suspicion.

7-Day Ultimatum

The letter demands that Mr. Kurang immediately cease making or publishing any further defamatory statements and warns that failure to comply within seven days will result in legal action without further notice. If pursued, the legal case will seek:

• D144 million in damages

• A court-ordered injunction barring further statements

• Possible public apology or retraction

This development is likely to reignite public discourse around the legacy of the Janneh Commission, the role of elite legal professionals in transitional justice, and the broader issues of accountability, transparency, and press freedom in the New Gambia.

As of the time of publication, Mr. Kurang has not publicly responded to the letter, except the cryptic words of "#CantSilenceme!"