The unbelievably true story of Augustine Kanjia continues … Part 23: Joy, Despair and More Threats

Print More

It was a relief returning home safe after my ordeal in the prison. It was difficult but I smiled anyway. My resettlement program was to be expedited from this point.

I was asked by the police to report every morning at 7:30 a.m. to ascertain that I had not run away from the country. It was another punishment on its own. Many people who knew me very well would avoid me now.

Superstition drew me to the sea to bathe in the salt water. They say doing that helps you leave behind all the bad luck from prison. It was pertinent to leave all the clothes and shoes at the seaside too. I did it and then wore new clothes from home. It made me feel good, but my shoes were expensive.

Mary, Glen and Theresa finally meet up with Augustine in Dakar.

Courtesy Augustine Kanjia

Mary, Glen and Theresa keep Augustine going, but his neighbors and friends have all but abandoned him.

I went home to relax. I was a proud man. Many stood and watched me pass as I approached, but none said a word. I had to urge my friends to talk to me, not to leave me in times of trouble. After all, the president of The Gambia was not going to kill me.


Read Augustine’s last installment, Augustine is Apprehended, or scroll down to begin from earlier in his incredible journey


Life was quite hard, though, and the police issue made it worse. Those who did not want the police to let me go were disappointed. But taking photos of a crowd — an action that had gotten my camera confiscated — was not a crime, so there was nothing my detractors could say. It was only after a few weeks, when they knew I was not returning to prison, that some of them started talking to me. For me it was late, because I needed friendship most while I was apprehended.

We were all aware of the very hostile situation journalists were under. In fact, one of the journalists had disappeared over three years earlier for writing a critical editorial against the president. He was picked up just after publishing the article in the Daily Observer, then in Bakau. He was called Ebrima Manneh. He was the breadwinner of his family, as his parents were too old to work. He took care of them to the best of his ability. During his disappearance we all learned he was killed as they took him from cell to cell [Editor’s note: Some human rights organizations believe he is still alive]. There was no way out for him; nobody wanted to show that he was with this journalist, for fear of the president’s retribution. Fellow journalists took care of Ebrima Manneh’s parents.

My heart pounded as I made my first return visit to the police station — and my fellow inmates. They had known me well for those few days and were glad to see me back, even on the other side of the wall. For some, nothing much was wrong with being there. It was a shelter for them. And it kept them out of trouble. Instead of going to the Criminal Investigation office, where I was supposed to register, I stayed with my criminal friends before I moved on. The first appearance was not too bad: I was asked to sit and wait. For nothing. I left stealthily and saw my friends once more before heading home.

My friend had news for me. He was my source for most criminal activities.

On his way to court ...

Courtesy Augustine Kanjia

On his way to court …

He gave me a name of a so-called taxi driver, and said the guy was involved in some clandestine business. He drove at night and slept in the day. His taxi was meant for criminal activities. He would take passengers a long distance and tell them to surrender all they have or else they’d die. He harassed everyone who came to his taxi.

There was an underground storage area where all the stolen property was kept. Many did not know about it. I did my groundwork and informed the then-police commissioner, Ensa Badjie, before publication. He gave me a few investigators, plainclothes policemen, who depended on my reporting work to complete their investigation. These guys were anxious to apprehend the group. We set out late at night and I showed them where they could get their taxi easily, where they brought the stolen goods. The driver, upon return there, was apprehended; his group was rounded up.

The inspector general of police, who had become my friend, was quite happy about the development. No one could deny the clandestine activities of those criminals. I published the story in the next couple of days.

My coming to the police was quite fruitful, because I got loads of bad news to publish. I was on top of the news headlines then. There were policemen who also would give me top news items. It worked out well. I never betrayed my good friends. I would not reveal their names for anything.

I did not hesitate going to the police, even though I was fed up with their so-called “reporting to them before I ran away.” I told them if they would not give me substantial news items, then I would rather not come back! They said no, I should still report to them for my own safety. I decided to see them still, but at my own time.

My release from their cell had brought me a renewed zeal to pursue my asylum again. Plus, my son’s illness remained. I collected the newspapers that made me their headlines. I became a celebrity then. Some read like this: “Point Reporter Arrested,” “Arrested Point Reporter Released on Bail,” “Point Reporter not Charged,” and more. I collected the different newspapers and took them to UNHCR, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees. I gave them to Fatou Barry, the protection officer. “Your case will be expedited,” she said.

Augustine and his family have some travelling -- and secret-keeping -- to do, as their future in Worcester gets closer.

Courtesy Augustine Kanjia

Travelling frequently and encountering police still wasn’t entirely safe for Augustine.

Everyone feared for me, but I did not fear, I prayed very hard for divine protection. I was increasingly not safe. When people got news that could not be published, I was called and asked if I could run the story. “Why not?” they would plead. There was no doubt that my popularity was decreasing as quickly as it had risen.

After my submission of those documents with the resettlement agency, I went to the police to register that I was still there. I was detained. I did not say a word. When the commissioner came in he did not talk to me but asked his subordinates to let me go and not to come back there anymore to report. My problem was solved.

A thought came to me: my camera. It was my younger sister’s camera that I had used for that day and she would want it back. I ventured to ask the police in charge, but I was told that someone higher up was in possession of the camera.

I went to see the minister of justice, who attended the same church as I did. He was quick to find out about my camera: It was with the commander-in-chief of The Gambia. My heart kept pounding hard. I thought they might recall me if the president saw all the pictures. The minister could not get the camera. I went to another person, Henry Jammeh, the nephew of President Jammeh. He tried his best but finally said it was going to be impossible. I lost hope and decided to leave it. This was the highest I could go.

Life had returned to normal after the police encounter. Mostly. I put on a T-shirt that read, “Who Killed Hydara?” He was our editor at The Point, and was killed in cold blood for his beautiful spirit in writing the reality and calling things as he saw them.

I experienced several problems from wearing the shirt. A plainclothes policeman approached me in a car on my way to the newspaper office, asking me the essence of the shirt.

“Well,” I said, “it is a remembrance for me and it also covers my body.”

“It is not sufficient to wear such a shirt. It is provocative,” the officer said.

“But who am I provoking, for God’s sake?”

I got down from the taxi and he followed me. He was a National Intelligence Agency officer. I did not fear him. I was in my workplace territory. He realized that I was a journalist and concluded by threatening me.

“I am glad you are here. You will not go unpunished for your stance in wearing this T-shirt, just remember that. You people are too much.”

I had recorded his voice without him knowing. It was not the complete statement, but his threat to me had been added. But I said to myself, “The Lord is my shepherd; whom shall I fear?”


To catch up on the continuing series, follow these links:

Introducing the unbelievably true story of Augustine Kanjia

Part 1: The Decision That Saved My Life

Part 2: The Struggle for Survival in a Strange Land

Part 3: Good luck, bad luck, who knows?

Part 4: The Smoldering Bitterness of Enemies

Part 5: The Soccer Match That Changed My Life

Part 6: The Secret Visit to Freetown

Part 7: More Attention, More Friends … More Enemies

Part 8: Escape to Freetown

Part 9: More Suffering, More Tears

Part 10: Family Rejection vs. Manhood

Part 11: New Hope, More Troubles, and a Gift

Part 12: Deceived in Hard Times

Part 13: Dangerous Investigative Journalism Begins

Part 14: Family vs. Husband-to-be

Part 15: The Article That Saved My Son’s Life

Part 16: Glen’s Long Road to Health

Part 17: A Wedding Without Parents

Part 18: Another New Beginning

Part 19: Challenging Resettlement Process Begins

Part 20: Suspicion and Senegal Visits

Part 21: The Toughest Interview Brings Success

174 thoughts on “The unbelievably true story of Augustine Kanjia continues … Part 23: Joy, Despair and More Threats

  1. I just wanted to make a brief comment to thank you for all the pleasant secrets you are writing at this site. My particularly long internet investigation has now been paid with reliable details to write about with my family and friends. I ‘d suppose that we site visitors are unequivocally blessed to dwell in a good network with so many wonderful individuals with valuable techniques. I feel extremely lucky to have discovered your website and look forward to plenty of more fun moments reading here. Thank you once more for all the details.

  2. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks Nevertheless I am experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting equivalent rss drawback? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  3. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say you have done a excellent job with this. Additionally, the blog loads super fast for me on Firefox. Superb Blog!

  4. I have been browsing on-line more than three hours today, but I never found any fascinating article like yours. It’s beautiful price sufficient for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the net shall be much more useful than ever before.

  5. I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  6. Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to get one thing done.

  7. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  8. What i do not understood is actually how you are not actually a lot more smartly-appreciated than you might be now. You are so intelligent. You know therefore significantly in the case of this subject, made me in my opinion consider it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men are not interested unless it is one thing to do with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!

  9. I haven?¦t checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  10. I like what you guys are up also. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site :).

  11. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog. You have some really good posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

  12. obviously like your website however you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality on the other hand I’ll definitely come again again.

  13. I don’t even know how I ended up here, however I believed this post used to be good. I don’t realize who you might be but certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger in case you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  14. Thanks a lot for giving everyone remarkably brilliant possiblity to discover important secrets from this site. It is always so good and jam-packed with fun for me personally and my office mates to search your website a minimum of 3 times in one week to see the latest secrets you have. And of course, I am usually amazed considering the extraordinary pointers you give. Certain 3 areas in this posting are surely the most beneficial I have had.

  15. Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My website goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!

  16. There are some interesting cut-off dates in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There’s some validity but I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as effectively

  17. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  18. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this excellent blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  19. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its aided me. Great job.

  20. I beloved up to you will obtain performed right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be turning in the following. unwell definitely come further earlier once more since exactly the similar just about a lot continuously inside case you protect this hike.

  21. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100 certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

  22. This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  23. What i do not understood is if truth be told how you are not really much more neatly-appreciated than you might be right now. You’re very intelligent. You know thus considerably on the subject of this matter, made me personally imagine it from numerous various angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be involved unless it is something to do with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. At all times take care of it up!

  24. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  25. Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting identical rss problem? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  26. Normally I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article.

  27. I¦ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i¦m glad to express that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much certainly will make sure to don¦t overlook this site and provides it a look regularly.

  28. I was just looking for this information for some time. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this kind of informative web sites in top of the list. Normally the top websites are full of garbage.

  29. A person essentially help to make critically posts I’d state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this particular submit incredible. Magnificent task!

  30. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

  31. You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. At all times go after your heart. “In order to preserve your self-respect, it is sometimes necessary to lie and cheat.” by Robert Byrne.

  32. The subsequent time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my option to read, but I actually thought youd have something fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you can repair should you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.

  33. Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What an ideal site.

  34. Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  35. There are some interesting cut-off dates in this article however I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity however I will take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like extra! Added to FeedBurner as well

  36. I do consider all of the ideas you have offered for your post. They’re very convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please prolong them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.

  37. I don’t even know how I stopped up here, but I believed this submit was once good. I don’t recognize who you’re but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger should you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  38. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  39. I and also my pals appeared to be reading through the great key points on your web blog while instantly developed a terrible suspicion I never thanked the web blog owner for those techniques. Most of the ladies were definitely consequently passionate to see them and already have sincerely been making the most of those things. Appreciate your indeed being quite thoughtful and for deciding upon this form of awesome topics most people are really desirous to be aware of. Our sincere apologies for not expressing appreciation to you earlier.

  40. Hiya very cool site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I am satisfied to find a lot of useful info right here in the submit, we’d like work out more strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  41. fantastic submit, very informative. I ponder why the other specialists of this sector don’t understand this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

  42. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your web site in internet explorer, would test this?K IE still is the market chief and a good part of people will miss your magnificent writing because of this problem.

  43. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My blog covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!

  44. Can I simply say what a reduction to find somebody who actually knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know how one can convey a difficulty to mild and make it important. Extra individuals have to learn this and understand this facet of the story. I cant believe youre no more standard because you definitely have the gift.

  45. What i do not understood is in truth how you are not really a lot more well-appreciated than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You realize thus considerably on the subject of this topic, made me individually imagine it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like men and women are not involved unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. Always take care of it up!

  46. Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thank you

  47. I was very pleased to seek out this net-site.I wanted to thanks to your time for this excellent learn!! I definitely enjoying each little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

  48. I’ve read several good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you put to create such a magnificent informative web site.

  49. Hiya very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also…I am glad to search out a lot of useful information right here in the publish, we need work out extra strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  50. I’m really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems? A few of my blog readers have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any solutions to help fix this problem?

  51. Throughout this awesome design of things you’ll get a B+ for effort. Where exactly you confused everybody was first on your facts. As as the maxim goes, details make or break the argument.. And it couldn’t be much more correct right here. Having said that, permit me reveal to you just what did give good results. The article (parts of it) is incredibly engaging which is most likely why I am making an effort in order to comment. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, whilst I can notice the leaps in reason you make, I am not necessarily sure of exactly how you appear to connect your points which in turn make your conclusion. For the moment I will, no doubt yield to your point however wish in the foreseeable future you link your dots better.

  52. Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  53. I have been browsing on-line more than three hours nowadays, but I never discovered any interesting article like yours. It’s lovely worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made just right content as you did, the internet will likely be much more helpful than ever before.

  54. Good ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..

  55. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with helpful info to work on. You’ve done a formidable task and our whole neighborhood will probably be grateful to you.

  56. Thank you for the good writeup. It in reality used to be a amusement account it. Look complicated to more introduced agreeable from you! However, how could we keep up a correspondence?

  57. certainly like your web site however you have to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the truth then again I’ll surely come again again.

  58. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.

  59. I not to mention my friends were found to be analyzing the nice key points on the website and then at once I had a terrible suspicion I had not thanked the blog owner for those tips. Those men became absolutely passionate to read them and have pretty much been tapping into those things. I appreciate you for genuinely well thoughtful and also for picking these kinds of very good guides millions of individuals are really desirous to be aware of. My honest apologies for not saying thanks to earlier.

  60. Unquestionably believe that that you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the internet the simplest factor to take into accout of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed at the same time as other folks consider concerns that they just do not understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , other folks could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks

  61. I needed to write you a little remark just to give many thanks over again just for the gorgeous secrets you have featured at this time. It was really surprisingly open-handed of you to grant without restraint just what a lot of people would have marketed for an e-book in making some dough on their own, even more so now that you could possibly have done it in the event you wanted. The guidelines in addition acted like a great way to recognize that most people have the identical desire much like my own to see very much more regarding this condition. I am certain there are a lot more fun periods ahead for people who look into your site.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *