FORMER CIVAIR DIR REPORTS GOTG WILL CHARGE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000029

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
NOFORN

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W, AF/EPS
FAA FOR AIA
TRANSPORTATION FOR OST Q HUNTER
BRUSSELS FOR FELDMAN
DAKAR FOR FAA Q JONES
MONTREAL FOR USICAO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/16
TAGS: EAIR KTIA PIRN ETRD EINV XY GA
SUBJECT: FORMER CIVAIR DIR REPORTS GOTG WILL CHARGE
HER WITH ECONOMIC CRIMES

REF: (A) BANJUL 10
(B) 05 BANJUL 428
(C) 05 BANJUL 783
(D) 05 BANJUL 836

Classified by: Ambassador Joseph D. Stafford for
reason 1.4 (B and D)


1. (C/NF) On January 9, former Director General of
Civil Aviation Maimuna Taal reported to GSO that
President Jammeh had instructed Justice Department
officials to prosecute her for economic crimes
committed while at the helm of the Gambian Civil
Aviation Authority. In previous reporting (ref A),
Taal had informed the Ambassador that an investigation
into allegations of mismanagement and fraud had
cleared her of any wrongdoing. Taal now states that
she expects to be formally charged in the coming weeks
for improper contracting procedure and for abuse of
power. She indicated that she will not be charged
with crimes related to the failed airport
modernization project (ref B).


2. (C/NF) Contrary to her earlier statement that she
was waiting for Gambian authorities to return her
passport so she could leave the country immediately
(ref A),Taal affirmed that she is, in fact, in
possession of her valid British passport (Taal is a
U.K. citizen) but that she intends to remain in The
Gambia to fight the expected charges and clear her
name. Taal has retained reputable legal counsel and
has not expressed fear of being detained. She asserts
that the GOTG leadership blames her for unfavorable
international media attention on the GOTG over her
dismissal and is attempting to tarnish her reputation
and interfere with her plans to pursue a career in
international civil aviation. Undaunted by the
pending charges, Taal said that she will maintain
contact with her international civil aviation and
other contacts in order to ensure that they are aware
of her situation.


3. (C/NF) Taal has not requested Embassy assistance.
In a conversation with the Ambassador, the U.K. High
Commissioner said that Taal had not contacted him of
late but indicated that if assistance were requested,
the High Commission would provide it as for any
British citizen.


4. (C/NF) The Ambassador has requested an appointment
with the Attorney General and will take the occasion
to stress the importance of fair and transparent legal
proceedings in accordance with Gambian law should Taal
ultimately be charged with a crime.

STAFFORD