A UK-based Gambian, Yunus Hydara has raised more than D177, 000 for former soldier, Mafugie Sonko.
The 64-year-old former soldier was one of the witnesses at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), where he disclosed he was held for nine years without trial.
Mafugie was a driver at the Yundum Barracks when he was arrested in the foiled November 1994 coup. According to him, he was freed from prison because the former government gave up trying to find a reason to keep him there.
After watching his heart-breaking testimony, Yunus launched an online crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the former soldier and his family.
He wrote on his GoFundMe page: “I don’t know Mafugie but I have a personally liking of Mr. Mafugie and I see destitution in his eyes.”
At the time of writing, the UK-based Gambia has already raised D 178,012 of his intended D197, 500 target.
One of the donors, Mariama Sallah wrote: “Mr Mafugie Sonko’s testimony was heart-breaking, despite his suffering he was able to narrate a compelling story about his ordeal with a little bit of humour.”
One Essa Baragi also commented: “It’s an obligation for every Gambian in the diaspora to help mafugie. His story was sad.”