Gambia's Parliament Probes Sale of Ex-President Jammeh's Assets

The Gambian government has initiated a thorough investigation into the sale and handling of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh following public outcry and protests led by groups such as Gambians Against Looted Assets. The National Assembly, led by Majority Leader Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, passed a motion to establish a special select committee tasked with an independent inquiry into these sales, with a deadline of 120 days for reporting findings. President Adama Barrow pledged full transparency in the probe, emphasizing that the assets belong to the people and affirming that both the National Assembly and the National Audit Office are conducting parallel investigations. The probe was prompted by revelations of irregularities and lack of transparency during the sale of luxury vehicles, livestock, and other valuables while an earlier panel was still examining Jammeh's wealth amassed over his 22-year rule. Jammeh, who fled into exile in 2017, faces allegations of large-scale theft and human rights abuses, though he denies wrongdoing, and his supporters call the accusations a political witchhunt. The government has committed to acting on the findings and holding any culpable individuals accountable, aiming to restore public trust and prevent further mismanagement of national resources.