Gambia
Gambian President Adama Barrow on Thursday reshuffled his cabinet, appointing Sheikh Omar Faye as defense minister for the first time in 22 years.
In a statement, the presidency also said a former controversial police chief, Yankuba Sonko, will now lead the interior ministry.
A Gambian human rights activist, Madi Jobarteh, hailed the appointment of a defense minister, but said “Mr. Faye’s choice is an important step backwards” since he was a “ key support of the dictatorship in The Gambia”.
Faye served as head of communications under Yahya Jammeh in 2005 after he returned from the United States. He was also Youth and Sports minster, before being appointed as ambassador to Washington.
Sonko was the Inspector General of Police during the April 2016 crackdown on a rally calling for political reforms.
AFP
01:39
Senegal: Ousmane Sonko’s lawyer says "battle is not lost" in overturned trial decision
01:06
Zambia: Ex-President Edgar Lungu wants seat back
01:25
Egypt: Main opposition hopeful abandons presidential race
Go to video
The Gambia secures 2nd AFCON appearance in earthquake-hit Marrakesh
01:40
Disgraced ANC leader forms new party ahead of South Africa's general elections
02:40
African migrants use music to integrate in Cyprus