Where did Jammeh’s billions go? Victims accuse Gambian government of broken reparations promises
Victims of human rights abuses under former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh say they feel betrayed after the Central Bank confirmed that more than one billion dalasis (approximately US$13.7 million) recovered from the sale of Jammeh’s seized assets had already been spent by the government, despite earlier commitments that the funds would support reparations.
Speaking to The Standard, Kebba Jome, Coordinator of the Gambia Victims Centre (GVC), said survivors and families of victims were “disheartened and disappointed” that proceeds from Jammeh’s assets were not directed toward compensating those harmed by his 22-year rule.
“It is disappointing that the government decided to use over D1 billion from the sale of Jammeh’s assets on other things instead of the welfare of victims,” Jome said. “They promised the TRRC that reparations would be funded from Jammeh’s assets, but that never happened.”
The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), established in 2018, had recommended more than D280 million (approx. US$3.8 million) for reparations. However, according to Jome, the government only provided D50 million (approximately US$685,000), of which D13 million went to interim reparations and medical bills, leaving just D33 million (approximately US$452,000) for compensation.
The TRRC used those funds to pay only 19 percent of victims’ approved reparations, promising that the government would cover the balance. “That balance is still pending,” Jome said.
Although the government set up a Reparations Commission in April to implement TRRC recommendations, victims say progress remains painfully slow. Jome stated that only D30 million, D20 million for reparations and D10 million for the Commission’s operations have been allocated for 2025 - 2026, far below what is needed.
“Considering the number of victims, D30 million is grossly inadequate,” he said. “The Victims’ Centre and the entire community is worried about how the government is handling this issue. Jammeh’s regime left thousands subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture, disappearances and killings,” Jome said. “Reparations are not only financial, they represent acknowledgement, dignity and closure. But victims are still waiting,” he added.
Many victims have died while waiting for justice. Jome said more than 170 victims have passed away, including some who testified before the TRRC.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
