By Ousman Saidykhan
The Gambia’s National Assembly has approved a motion to investigate the controversial sales and disposal of the looted assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh, following widespread public concern sparked by a recent investigative report. The decision, made on Wednesday, comes just two weeks after The Republic exposed that assets identified by the Janneh Commission—established in 2017 to probe the financial dealings of the former leader, widely regarded as a dictator—were sold at what critics have called “giveaway prices.”
The motion, tabled by Majority Leader Billay J. Tunkara, calls for a full, impartial, and independent inquiry into the processes, legal frameworks, and accountability mechanisms governing the disposal of Jammeh’s assets.
Tunkara, representing Kantora Constituency, proposed the formation of a special seven-member committee to conduct the investigation and deliver its findings and recommendations to Parliament within 120 days. The committee is authorized to access all relevant documents, including books, records, agreements, official communications, and reports.
The decision follows a weekend protest by the youth group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), which demanded transparency regarding the buyers’ identities. The list of purchasers, revealed shortly after the protests, shocked many Gambians and intensified calls for accountability. GALA members filled the parliamentary gallery during the motion’s debate, signaling strong public interest in the issue.
While the motion was unanimously approved, several National Assembly Members (NAMs) offered suggestions to strengthen the committee’s work.
Momodou Lamin B. Bah, NAM for Banjul North, emphasized the need for an opposition-led committee and called the inquiry “long overdue.”
Sulayman Saho, representing Badibou Central, described the asset sales as “the worst economic crime” in Gambia’s history and urged any “conflicted” members to recuse themselves.
Saho specifically pointed to Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie, a former minister in Jammeh’s government, as someone who should not serve on the committee due to potential conflicts of interest.
“Politically, you’re conflicted. You were part of the former government; you’re the last minister here,” Saho argued, addressing Njie. “I’m not saying you did anything wrong, but you are conflicted already.”
Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta countered Saho’s remarks, cautioning against broadly labeling former government officials as conflicted.
“People who stole or misused properties were not necessarily members of the former government,” Jatta said. “There are clean people who served in that government, just as there are others outside it who may have participated in wrongdoing.”
Several NAMs proposed expanding the committee’s scope beyond the assets identified by the Janneh Commission to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
They also argued that the proposed 120-day timeline was insufficient, advocating for an extension to 180 days. “Given the committee’s responsibilities, 120 days is not enough,” said Nominated Member Kebba Lang Fofana. “We need time for thorough investigations and witness statements to avoid seeking extensions later.”
The Selection Committee of the National Assembly is tasked with appointing the seven-member investigative committee, which must begin its work within seven days of its establishment. The hearings will be open to the public, which transparency advocates welcome.
The probe marks a significant step toward addressing lingering questions about how Jammeh handled his looted assets, including properties, vehicles, and other holdings amassed during his 22-year rule. The Janneh Commission’s findings previously implicated Jammeh in widespread financial misconduct, leading to recommendations for asset recovery.
However, the recent revelations of low-priced sales have raised concerns about whether the disposal process was transparent and served the public interest.
As the investigation unfolds, Gambians are watching closely, hopeful that the committee’s work will shed light on the asset sales and restore trust in the country’s accountability mechanisms. The probe’s outcome could have far-reaching implications for governance and public confidence in the Barrow administration’s commitment to justice and transparency.
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