By: Ousman Saidykhan
The Gambian National Assembly has established a seven-member committee to investigate the sale and disposal of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh. The move follows a contentious vote in which 24 parliamentarians approved the committee’s formation, while 16 opposed it. The move comes in response to allegations of irregularities and a lack of transparency in handling ex-President Jammeh’s confiscated properties, as highlighted by a recent investigative report from The Republic.
The decision follows Jammeh’s 2017 defeat. Jammeh ruled The Gambia for 22 years before losing to President Adama Barrow in a historic election. The Barrow administration established the Janneh Commission to probe Jammeh and his close associates’ financial dealings, leading to the confiscation and subsequent sale of assets amassed during his regime. However, the Republic’s report raised concerns about opaque transactions, alleging that some buyers, including individuals involved in the sales process, acquired assets at significantly undervalued prices.
The newly formed parliamentary committee, chaired by Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay of the National People’s Party (NPP), is tasked with conducting a “full, impartial, and independent” inquiry. The committee, which includes Hon. Madi Ceesay (Vice-Chair), Hon. Suwaibou Touray, Hon. Kebba Lang Fofana, Hon. Omar Jammeh, Hon. Sheriff Sarr, and Hon. Alhagie Mbowe, has four months to present its findings and recommendations to Parliament. The committee is expected to begin its work within seven days, with proceedings open to the public.
The selection process sparked heated debate in the National Assembly, particularly over the committee’s lack of gender diversity and the appointment of Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay as chair. Critics argued that Ceesay’s affiliation with the ruling NPP could compromise the committee’s impartiality, while others decried the absence of female representation, despite assurances from Majority Leader Hon. Billay J. Tunkara of a “gender-inclusive” committee. Nevertheless, Ceesay’s chairmanship was upheld following a vote.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, described the committee’s formation as a testament to Parliament’s commitment to “truth, accountability, and justice.” Addressing the lawmakers, Jatta emphasized the weight of their responsibility, stating, “The Gambian people have entrusted us not merely with the power to legislate, but with the solemn duty to uphold the principles of good governance, transparency, and the rule of law.”
Jatta urged the committee to approach its mandate with diligence, noting that their work extends beyond examining material assets to “safeguarding public trust and protecting the integrity of our democratic institutions.” He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver, calling its members “committed, patriotic, and dignified.”
The investigation is seen as a critical step in addressing lingering questions about how Jammeh handled his assets, including properties, vehicles, and other holdings accumulated during his presidency. The Janneh Commission’s findings had previously exposed widespread corruption under Jammeh’s regime, but the recent allegations suggest that the subsequent disposal process may have fallen short of public expectations for transparency and fairness.
As the committee prepares to commence its work, Gambians are watching closely, hopeful that the inquiry will shed light on the asset sales and reinforce accountability in governance. The public nature of the hearings is expected to foster greater scrutiny and engagement, with many anticipating that the committee’s findings could have significant implications for public trust in the Barrow administration and the country’s democratic institutions.
The inquiry’s outcome will likely shape perceptions of The Gambia’s commitment to addressing the legacy of Jammeh’s rule while navigating the challenges of ensuring transparency in the management of public resources.
