Yankuba Touray, a member of the Mandinka ethnic group, has had a varied and eventful career in both the military and politics of The Gambia.

Touray's educational journey began at the Muslim High School in Banjul, where he attended from 1979 to 1984. Following his schooling, he joined the Gambia National Army in 1986, embarking on a military career that would shape much of his professional life. By 1991, he had risen to the rank of second lieutenant, showcasing his dedication and leadership within the armed forces.

In 1993, Touray transitioned to an administrative role, serving as an officer at the Army Training School in Farafenni, where he continued to contribute to the development and training of military personnel.

Touray's career took a significant turn following the 1994 coup when he was appointed to the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) just three days after the coup. In this capacity, he assumed the responsibilities of Minister for local government and lands, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability to new roles.

Despite his military background, Touray ventured into politics, serving as Secretary of State for various government departments under President Yahya Jammeh's administration. His political journey saw him hold positions such as Secretary of State for youth and sports, State Secretary for Tourism and Culture, and State Secretary for Communication, Information, and Technology, among others.

However, Touray's political career was not without controversy. In 2003, he fell out of favor with President Jammeh and was subsequently fired and charged with corruption. Despite this setback, he returned to the cabinet in 2005, serving in various capacities, including State Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries and State Secretary for Fisheries and Resources.

In June 2009, Touray was dismissed from the cabinet, marking another turning point in his political career. However, his journey took a darker turn in July 2019 when he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the killing of Finance Minister Ousman Koro Ceesay in June 1995, demonstrating the tumultuous nature of his involvement in Gambian politics.

Reference:

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankuba_Touray