(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) Two men have been charged in the United States with conspiring to help overthrow the government in the small West African nation of Gambia, AP quoted federal prosecutors as saying Monday.
Both men were in custody and were expected to make court appearances Monday in Baltimore and Minneapolis.
The charges stem from a Dec. 30 coup attempt in the former British colony, which came as the longtime ruler was away. The U.S. State Department had condemned the actions.
Prosecutors say the two men, Cherno Njie and Papa Faal, traveled separately from the United States to Gambia to participate in the unrest there. They later returned to the U.S. and are now in custody.
Faal, 46, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Gambia who lives in Minnesota, told investigators that he joined a movement bent on overthrowing the government because of concern elections were being rigged and over 'the plight of the people,' according to court papers. Prosecutors say he purchased semi-automatic rifles in Minnesota that were then shipped by cargo ship to Gambia.
Njie, 57, is a U.S. citizen of Gambian descent who lives in Austin, Texas.
It wasn't immediately clear whether the two men had lawyers.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.