By Ousman Saidykhan
Tensions flared in the National Assembly today as lawmakers clashed over the composition of a Special Select Committee tasked with investigating the sale and disposal of assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh, as identified by the Janneh Commission. The debate centered on two contentious issues: the absence of women in the proposed committee and the nomination of a National People’s Party (NPP) member as its chair, raising concerns about gender imbalance and potential conflicts of interest.
The Committee of Selection, led by Majority Leader Hon. Billay J. Tunkara, presented its list of nominated members for approval following the passage of a motion to probe what has been described as a “national concern.” The proposed committee includes Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay (NPP), Hon. Madi Ceesay (UDP), Hon. Suwaibou Touray (PDOIS), Hon. Kebba Lang Fofana (Nominated), Hon. Omar Jammeh (Independent), Hon. Sheriff Sarr (APRC), and Hon. Alhagie Mbowe (NRP). However, the absence of female representation drew several lawmakers’ sharp criticism.
Hon. Tunkara assured parliament yesterday that the selection would prioritize gender inclusivity, but the all-male list prompted accusations of broken promises. “I think gender representation here is very important—to have women in the committee,” said Hon. Alagie Babou Ceesay, a member of Sabach Sanjal. Echoing this sentiment, Brikama Central NAM Hon. Sulayman Saho called the list “gender-biased,” emphasizing the need for women’s voices in the inquiry to ensure balanced recommendations.
Hon. Fatou Cham, a member of Sanementereng, was particularly vocal, questioning the exclusion of women from parliament that claims equal representation. “Don’t we have women in this parliament? Don’t we have equal rights as men in this parliament? And don’t we have women in this country whom we, men and women, represent?” she asked rhetorically. Cham rejected the selection outright, warning the Committee of Selection to prioritize gender balance in future nominations.
The nomination of Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, the Deputy Majority Leader and an NPP member, as committee chair further fueled the controversy.
Several lawmakers argued that his affiliation with the ruling party poses a conflict of interest, given that the inquiry involves actions taken by the current government following the Janneh Commission’s findings. Hon. Saho stated, “This investigation is on the current government, so he cannot serve as the Chairperson. This is going to be a conflict of interest, and we don’t want this investigation to be micromanaged.”
Hon. Almameh Gibba, a member of Foni Kansala, proposed replacing Ceesay with Hon. Suwaibou Touray, warning that a “conflicted” leadership could undermine the inquiry’s credibility. “If we put people who are conflicted – brother, father, and son in this, do you think you will be able to regulate this compound?” he asked. Similarly, Hon. Musa Badjie of Tallinding Kunjang urged the Majority Caucus to recuse itself from the chairmanship to demonstrate transparency, noting that the Janneh Commission’s findings are “shrouded in malpractices.”
Some lawmakers also raised concerns about the suitability of certain nominees. Hon. Yaya Sanyang of Latrikunda Sabiji argued that the committee requires members with specialized skills, such as expertise in building structural integrity. He criticized his party for overlooking qualified candidates like himself, a former World Bank consultant. Others questioned the inclusion of Hon. Mbowe and Hon. Sarr, citing their frequent international commitments as potential barriers to consistent participation.
The debate underscored broader concerns about the committee’s ability to conduct a fair and thorough investigation into handling Jammeh’s assets, a matter of significant public interest. Lawmakers emphasized the need for a committed and impartial committee to restore public trust.
As the session concluded, the nominations remained unapproved, with calls for the Committee of Selection to revise the list to address gender balance and leadership concerns. The outcome of this debate will likely shape public perceptions of the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in addressing one of The Gambia’s most pressing national issues.
The inquiry into Jammeh’s assets continues to be a litmus test for the government’s accountability, and the composition of the Special Select Committee will play a critical role in determining its success. For now, parliament remains divided, with the path forward uncertain.
