By Mustapha K Darboe

BANJUL, Gambia

Two former Gambian army generals who fled to Equatorial Guinea with former strongman ruler Yahya Jammeh have been arrested upon their return to the small West African country, Gambia’s army chief told journalists on Monday.

Gen. Masanneh General Kinteh said former Brig. Gens. Umpa Mendy and Ansumana Tamba were arrested by Gambian military police on Sunday and are now in military custody.

The two ex-generals are accused of a number of atrocities under the former autocratic ruler.

Gambians are asking how the two wanted men evaded airport security on Friday to reach their homes where they were arrested on Sunday.

Kinteh said they are trying to investigate how they entered the country and their motive for coming back despite their outstanding arrest warrants.

Kinteh said they arrived in the Gambia via Air Morocco.

“Their motives have not established by the Gambian military,” Kinteh said. “We are still investigating.”

Mendy was a principal protection officer for President Jammeh for many years.

He is alleged to have been personally responsible for a number of crimes that are currently being considered for inclusion in a future truth and reconciliation commission.

Under international pressure after refusing to concede an election, Jammeh left office almost a year ago to the day after 22 years of autocratic rule.