By Kemo Kanyi
Barrister Lamin J. Darboe, legal counsel for the Sanyang Development Fund (SDF) has urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muctar Touray to launch an investigation into a suspected arson attack on the Sanyang Eco-Lodge.
In a letter dated 17 February 2026, seen by this medium, Barrister Darboe said the suspected arson was reported to the Sanyang Police Station, but no visible action was taken.
“I act for Sanyang Development Fund (SDF) and write this letter on its instructions. It is my client’s instruction that a suspected arson attack completely destroyed Sanyang Eco-Lodge, a community-owned property, on 27 January 2026,” Barrister Darboe wrote.
Barrister Darboe noted that Sanyang Eco-Lodge is a registered charitable organization domiciled in Sanyang, describing the incident as a serious and deliberate act. He called on the Gambia Police Force (GPF) to conduct a thorough and exhaustive investigation.
According to the letter, Sanyang Eco-Lodge was built by a group of Spanish medical doctors in partnership with the Sanyang community, under a 60/40 profit-sharing arrangement. The Spanish investors receive 60% of profits while the Sanyang community, as landowners, receives 40%.
The lodge comprises of 14 fully furnished and equipped rooms and operates year-round. An analysis reportedly shows it can generate a minimum of three million dalasis in revenue after expenses.
Barrister Darboe said the management of the lodge had failed to formally report the suspected arson to the GPF or contact the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS), and efforts to investigate internally met with limited cooperation.
He added: “As a registered community-based organization interested in all matters in Sanyang, the SDF filed a report on 9 February 2026 and was issued GPF diary reference D/REF/No.42/9/02/26 on the incident. The SDF instructs that I place the IGP on formal notice so an exhaustive investigation of the incident can be undertaken as a matter of urgency.”
