The Gambian government is facing scrutiny over the sale of luxury vehicles, livestock, and boats belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh, prompting President Adama Barrow to announce a thorough investigation to ensure transparency. Jammeh's rule is marred by allegations of grand theft and human rights abuses, and concerns over asset sales have stirred protests.
Gambia Initiates Inquiry into Sale of Ex-President Jammeh's Assets
Gambia Initiates Inquiry into Sale of Ex-President Jammeh's Assets
Gambia's government has launched a probe into the controversial sale of seized luxury assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh, amid public outcry for transparency.
The Gambian government officially announced a comprehensive investigation into the sales of luxury assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh, following a wave of public concern and protests. Allegations emerged after a local newspaper published details of purported irregularities and a lack of transparency regarding how these assets, including high-end vehicles and livestock, were disposed of without a complete public inquiry.
Jammeh, who ruled from 1994 until his ousting in 2017, is under scrutiny for the dubious acquisition of wealth estimated into hundreds of millions, alongside severe accusations of human rights violations. In response to growing discontent about the asset management process, President Barrow promised “complete transparency” in the investigation, asserting that these assets rightfully belong to the Gambian people.
The Janneh commission, established in 2017, had previously recommended forfeiture of assets tied to Jammeh's unlawful activities. Yet, new findings from the Republic newspaper indicated that numerous assets were allegedly sold to government officials and their affiliates at undervalued prices. Following fierce social media backlash and protests in the capital, Banjul, the government released detailed records of the sold assets, raising questions about the absence of more valuable items from the list, such as Jammeh's exclusive Rolls Royce and Bentley.
Amid increasing pressure for accountability, Barrow has confirmed that both parliament and the National Audit Office are investigating the asset sales, with findings to be published transparently. However, skepticism remains as opposition parties and activists have questioned the motives behind the investigations, calling for an independent review to ensure that justice is served impartial to political affiliations.
Gambia's controversy extends internationally, as the U.S. has seized a mansion linked to Jammeh, which was allegedly acquired through corrupt means during his presidency. The call for accountability and integrity within the management of seized assets in Gambia continues as citizens demand respect for their rightful ownership of these valuable resources.
Jammeh, who ruled from 1994 until his ousting in 2017, is under scrutiny for the dubious acquisition of wealth estimated into hundreds of millions, alongside severe accusations of human rights violations. In response to growing discontent about the asset management process, President Barrow promised “complete transparency” in the investigation, asserting that these assets rightfully belong to the Gambian people.
The Janneh commission, established in 2017, had previously recommended forfeiture of assets tied to Jammeh's unlawful activities. Yet, new findings from the Republic newspaper indicated that numerous assets were allegedly sold to government officials and their affiliates at undervalued prices. Following fierce social media backlash and protests in the capital, Banjul, the government released detailed records of the sold assets, raising questions about the absence of more valuable items from the list, such as Jammeh's exclusive Rolls Royce and Bentley.
Amid increasing pressure for accountability, Barrow has confirmed that both parliament and the National Audit Office are investigating the asset sales, with findings to be published transparently. However, skepticism remains as opposition parties and activists have questioned the motives behind the investigations, calling for an independent review to ensure that justice is served impartial to political affiliations.
Gambia's controversy extends internationally, as the U.S. has seized a mansion linked to Jammeh, which was allegedly acquired through corrupt means during his presidency. The call for accountability and integrity within the management of seized assets in Gambia continues as citizens demand respect for their rightful ownership of these valuable resources.
