Ziguinchor : procès de Papis Assine, les confidences d’un ancien soldat de César Atoute Badiate
The Ziguinchor Criminal Court examined the case of JC Sambou, better known as "Papis Assine," on Tuesday. L'Observateur, which attended the hearing, reports that this 46-year-old gardener, with his unassuming appearance, is now facing charges stemming from 17 years spent within the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC). He is charged with criminal conspiracy, participation in an insurrection, and illegal possession of weapons.
An arsenal hidden in an orchard
In this case, everything changed on May 7, 2022, the same source recounts. During aerial surveillance by the 23rd Reconnaissance Battalion (BRA) in the Séléty area, soldiers spotted a suspicious bag in an orchard. Inside: rifle stocks and homemade trigger mechanisms. Informed of the search, JC Sambou voluntarily presented himself at the military camp, giving the impression of surrendering.
"Chilling" revelations about the resistance fighters
Upon his arrest, the man displayed disconcerting candor. He confessed to joining the rebellion in 2002 and associating with figures such as César Atoute Badiate and Salif Sadio. A former confidant of rebel leader Paul Alokassine Bassène, he detailed the organization and operation of the Kassolole base, which boasted 400 fighters. He claimed to have fled the bush in 2015, because he was "suspected of being a spy in the pay of César Atoute Badiate," he asserted, and to discreetly transition into livestock farming and horticulture.
The complete turnaround at the helm
In court, the accused recanted, denying all the charges. This reversal was condemned by prosecutor Ousmane Ndiaye, who saw him as a "soldier of death" attempting to manipulate the justice system.
For its part, the defense, led by Mr. Djiby Diagne, argued that his client was vulnerable. The lawyer downplayed the discovery of "old, rusty weapons" in an orchard, arguing that they did not constitute a serious threat and that the accused was simply trying to bury his past.
The court has taken the case under advisement. The decision will be handed down on April 8, concludes the newspaper of the Future Media Group.
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