World
Gambian movement demands answers on ex-dictator's assets
Jammeh is accused of plundering millions of dollars from the government during his rule from 1994 to 2017, earmarking public funds for personal use while carrying out significant rights abuses.
Former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh is accused of plundering millions of dollars from the government during his rule from 1994 to 2017. (AFP)
By: AFP ., Journalist @New Vision
BANJUL - A Gambian youth movement demanded answers from the president this week on reported government mishandling of state assets looted by ex-dictator Yahya Jammeh.
Jammeh is accused of plundering millions of dollars from the government during his rule from 1994 to 2017, earmarking public funds for personal use while carrying out significant rights abuses.
On Thursday, popular youth movement Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) asked President Adama Barrow to respond publicly to a parliamentary report from March that examined the sale and disposal of Jammeh's ill-gotten assets.
The report detailed multiple problems, including massive unrecovered funds and corruption in handling the assets.
"Assets recovered in the name of justice must never become another opportunity for private enrichment or political favour," GALA said.
Among a list of demands, the group asked for correct record keeping on sales, transfers and disputed or missing goods, as well as transparency on beneficiaries.
Neither the president's office nor the information ministry responded to an AFP request for comment.
In May 2025, The Republic newspaper published an investigative report on irregularities in the sale of Jammeh's stolen assets, which prompted the formation of GALA.
Among a list of demands, the group asked for correct record keeping on sales, transfers and disputed or missing goods, as well as transparency on beneficiaries.
Neither the president's office nor the information ministry responded to an AFP request for comment.
In May 2025, The Republic newspaper published an investigative report on irregularities in the sale of Jammeh's stolen assets, which prompted the formation of GALA.
The illegal assets were valuable and widespread.
Last month the United States said it was returning $2.5 million to Gambia from the sale of a US mansion that he and his wife bought with illicit funds.
GALA's call comes less than two months before the presidential election, in which Barrow plans to stand for a third term against a handful of other hopefuls.
Jammeh, who is exiled in Equatorial Guinea, still holds sway in Gambia via a large number of supporters, who are likely to follow any endorsement he makes.
A truth, reconciliation and reparations commission found that up to 250 people were killed by the state during Jammeh's eccentric reign.
It also found evidence of widespread extrajudicial killings, torture, kidnappings, witch hunts and other abuses.
Last month the United States said it was returning $2.5 million to Gambia from the sale of a US mansion that he and his wife bought with illicit funds.
GALA's call comes less than two months before the presidential election, in which Barrow plans to stand for a third term against a handful of other hopefuls.
Jammeh, who is exiled in Equatorial Guinea, still holds sway in Gambia via a large number of supporters, who are likely to follow any endorsement he makes.
A truth, reconciliation and reparations commission found that up to 250 people were killed by the state during Jammeh's eccentric reign.
It also found evidence of widespread extrajudicial killings, torture, kidnappings, witch hunts and other abuses.