The Gambian administration is under scrutiny following revelations that assets seized from Yahya Jammeh were sold before a comprehensive investigation of his wealth was completed. A recent exposé by local media highlighted irregularities in the asset sales, igniting protests among the public, particularly youth activists. In response, President Adama Barrow assured citizens of a transparent probe, stating these assets belong to the people of Gambia. Jammeh, who fled following his electoral defeat in 2017, faces accusations of severe financial misconduct and human rights violations during his authoritarian reign.
Gambia Launches Investigation into Sale of Ex-President Jammeh's Assets Amid Public Outcry
Gambia Launches Investigation into Sale of Ex-President Jammeh's Assets Amid Public Outcry
The government of Gambia is investigating the controversial sale of luxury cars, livestock, and boats owned by former president Yahya Jammeh after allegations of misuse and lack of transparency emerged.
In 2017, President Barrow established a commission, dubbed the Janneh Commission, to investigate Jammeh's alleged corruption, concluding in 2019 with recommendations to confiscate his assets. Allegedly, Jammeh misappropriated around $360 million and indulged in ostentatious spending on luxury goods, including vehicles and properties. Recently, a report surfaced accusing senior officials of selling these assets at undervalued prices to themselves and associates, prompting social media outrage and protests in the capital, Banjul. Despite the release of a comprehensive list of sold items, prominent assets like Jammeh's luxury cars were missing from the records, raising further doubts regarding the government's integrity. Critics are now calling for an independent investigation, wary of parliamentary bias.
President Barrow, committed to transparency, stated that the findings of ongoing audits would be public and that accountability measures will follow. However, opposition groups and civil rights advocates express skepticism about governmental intentions, demanding more significant accountability measures and the suspension of further asset sales.
Ultimately, Gambia's efforts to hold past leaders accountable continue to face significant challenges amid claims of corruption and inadequacy within its own government.
President Barrow, committed to transparency, stated that the findings of ongoing audits would be public and that accountability measures will follow. However, opposition groups and civil rights advocates express skepticism about governmental intentions, demanding more significant accountability measures and the suspension of further asset sales.
Ultimately, Gambia's efforts to hold past leaders accountable continue to face significant challenges amid claims of corruption and inadequacy within its own government.
