The Gambia has launched an investigation into the sale of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh, including luxury cars, livestock, and boats, following public concerns over transparency and fairness. The sale of these assets took place while a panel was still investigating the wealth Jammeh accumulated during his 22-year rule, sparking protests across the country, particularly among young people.
In a televised address, President Adama Barrow promised “full transparency” in the investigation, asserting that the assets rightfully belong to the people of The Gambia. Jammeh, who came to power through a 1994 coup, has faced allegations of widespread theft of state funds and severe human rights abuses, including the imprisonment and execution of political opponents. Although he denied the accusations, his critics remain vocal.
The controversy was fueled by a report from the local Republic newspaper, which alleged that senior government officials had purchased the seized assets, including Jammeh’s luxury vehicles, at below-market prices. This report, which went viral, led to protests in the capital, Banjul, where several people, including journalists, were briefly arrested.
In response to the public outcry, the government released a list of assets already sold, including vehicles, livestock, boats, land, and machinery. However, some high-value items, such as Jammeh’s customized Rolls Royce and Bentley, were missing from the list, leading to further speculation. It remains unclear whether these vehicles were sold or shipped to Jammeh in exile, as the government had permitted him to take certain possessions to Equatorial Guinea.
While the government has insisted the sales were conducted through a “legally grounded process,” there has been no explanation for the unusually low sale prices. President Barrow revealed that he had only recently learned of some of these transactions and emphasized that both parliament and the National Audit Office were conducting independent inquiries into the matter. Barrow assured that his government would enforce any corrective actions recommended by these investigations.
Despite Barrow’s assurances, opposition parties and activist groups have voiced skepticism. Yayah Sanyang, an opposition member of parliament, called for an independent probe, arguing that the current parliament is dominated by the ruling party. The Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice has demanded that all sales of seized assets be frozen until the investigation is complete.
In addition to the Gambia’s internal investigations, the United States seized a mansion in Maryland in 2022, which was allegedly purchased using proceeds from corruption. The US Justice Department’s probe revealed that Jammeh had acquired over 280 properties and maintained more than 100 private bank accounts during his presidency.
