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Gambia News: Gambia frees Senegal rebels

The rebels have had their freedom few weeks after Senegalese officials flew to The Gambia, demanding the release of their nationals secretly detained in the country’s central prisons in Mile II.

Following their release from prison, Diatta and Bodian travelled to Ziguinchor, Southern Senegal capital, where they were interrogated by the French and Senegalese military intelligence. They later travelled to the capital Dakar to meet top government officials.

Gambian authorities have not publicly declared the reasons for detaining the rebels, but an earlier editorial ran by a pro-government newspaper, the 'Daily Observer' captioned "Senegal continues to destabilise Gambia” accused Senegal of supporting Diatta’s Jakai rebels to destabilise its neighbouring country.

The Jakai rebels based in Casamance were also accused of aiding the alleged mastermind of the aborted 21 March 2006 [Colonel Ndure Chame] coup to escape.

Other detained rebels expected to be released include Alexandra Djibba, the former Spokesman of the MFDC and Ismaila Dieme.

Meanwhile, eight suspected Southern Senegalese rebels have who have been accused of several counts, including illegally taking photographs of The Gambia’s military installations, receiving stolen properties, illegal possession of Gambian ID cards and committing terrorism against a Senegal.