President Adama Barrow could appoint Lang Tombong Tamba as the governor of West Coast Region (WCR) - a sign that he wants to unite the country after what many described as the most acrimonious presidential election in the country’s history.

Tamba, who previously served as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) under Jammeh, is said to be under consideration by Barrow’s transition team. If he gets selected as governor, he would be the first Foninka political appointee.

The selection of the former CDS could help to convince Foninkas that they are safe under President Barrow, despite voting overwhelmingly for his opponent.

“Tamba is still highly respected in Foni and I think he can be of good help in Barrow’s effort to unite the country,” said a source.

Lang Tombong Tamba was one of Jammeh’s most trusted generals until his arrest, detention and trial in an alleged attempted coup. He was convicted and sentenced to death, but this was later reduced to life imprisonment after an appeal by his lawyers.

After more than six years at Mile 2, he was pardoned by his erstwhile boss in 2015 mass amnesty and has since stayed out of the spotlight. Rumour is rife in town that he was severely tortured in prison by Jammeh’s jugulars.