Good afternoon sir.
The report circulating in the social media involving Anna Jarju at Banjul International Airport is indeed a cause for concern. The coordination office was informed about the matter and the office made some findings on the matter.
It is indeed true that Musa Barrow arrived at the airport on Friday 11 July 2025 with Turkish airline. It was reported that on arrival at customs screening area, the machine indicated that all the five luggage contained dutiable items. It was further stated that Musa Barrow was informed about the situation. It was stated that people who accompanied Musa demanded that Musa is a diplomat and should not pay anything. According to reports received, Anna being the next senior Customs officer informed them to allow Musa himself to handle the matter with Customs. This excessive demands caused Musa’s delay. He was not detained.
According to reports, Musa Barrow was never detained by Anna Jarju neither was he confronted. One GIA officer Ousman Yabou and one Pabulo Jabbi were said to be among those who came to received Musa Barrow. Contrary to social media report, sources said Anna was approached by Ousman Yabou of GIA to let Musa go and later he will bring Anna something for cola nuts. According to sources, Ousman Yabo and other people from GIA and tried heard to convince Anna to allow Musa to go but Anna said there was no indication that Musa was not supposed to pay tax. It was established that Musa’s delay was caused by his refusal to pay the customs duty and that was not detained. Anna said there was no one time that she had contact with Musa except when her supervisor Buba convinced Musa to go and make payment. This was when Musa entered Customs screening room and said that he has a charitable organisation. Anna said she advised him to register his charitable organisation and request duty waver from the Ministry of Finance. Musa in response said that he has no time to go into offices for that. At this time supervisor Buba asked Musa to go without paying the duty.
. It should made clear to diplomatic passport holders that the Gambia is a taxed base economy and a diplomatic passport should not be used as a pretext to refuse payment of tax at the airport.
By Lt Col Amadou Bojang, Security Coordinator
