Gambian Coup AttemptThe Gambia / Senegal · 1981“Draw near — the atlas keeps this thread, and tonight the fire lends it a voice.”President Jawara was in London watching a royal wedding when Kukoi Sanyang's rebels took Banjul's radio station and armoury behind him. The Gambia had no army to speak of — by design, the old man had trusted in not needing one — so Senegal's paratroopers restored him within the week.