Gambian lawmakers demand expanded probe into Jammeh’s hidden assets
The Gambian National Assembly has approved a motion calling for a broader investigation into the assets of former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh amid growing demands for transparency and accountability over the handling of his forfeited properties.
In a rare display of bipartisan unity, lawmakers on Wednesday backed the creation of a special select committee to scrutinise not only the assets identified by the Janneh Commission but also wealth and properties allegedly omitted from its findings, Foroyaa reports.
Majority Leader Billay G. Tunkara, who introduced the motion, said the investigation must go beyond the existing record. Legislators echoed the call for a more comprehensive review, citing persistent gaps in asset tracing and concerns over the sale and management of Jammeh’s seized properties.
“The committee must determine how much was seized, how much was accounted for, and what remains hidden,” said Kebba Lang Fofana, a nominated member.
Lawmakers credited investigative journalist Mustapha Darboe and the youth-led movement of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) for exposing mismanagement and spurring renewed political will
The Janneh Commission, established after Jammeh’s ouster in 2017, uncovered widespread financial impropriety and asset accumulation. However, lawmakers said its findings were incomplete and lacked full public disclosure.
The motion was adopted after hours of deliberation whereby the assembly will reconvene to appoint committee members charged with leading the investigation. The committee will have at least 180 days to complete its inquiry.
