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