The Gambian government has launched an official investigation into the sale of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh, following mounting public outrage over alleged irregularities and lack of transparency.
The assets, including livestock, luxury vehicles, and equipment, were sold while a commission was still probing the vast wealth Jammeh amassed during his 22-year rule. A recent exposé by the local newspaper Republic alleged that some items were sold below market value to government officials, their associates, and relatives, triggering protests in the capital, Banjul.
In a televised address on Wednesday, President Adama Barrow pledged full transparency, insisting that the recovered assets “belong to the people.”
Jammeh, who took power in a 1994 coup and fled into exile in Equatorial Guinea in 2017, has long been accused of gross corruption and human rights abuses — allegations he denies. In 2017, Barrow’s administration established the Janneh Commission to investigate Jammeh’s finances. The panel reported in 2019 that Jammeh stole at least $360 million, which he used to acquire expensive cars, properties, aircraft, and livestock.
The commission recommended the forfeiture of Jammeh-linked assets. A task force was created to recover and manage them, but concerns over mismanagement grew after Republic‘s investigation suggested officials had sold valuable items — including tractors, boats, and luxury cars — for far less than their worth.
Following the backlash, the government released a detailed list of the sold assets, identifying buyers, sale dates, and prices. However, notable omissions — such as Jammeh’s Rolls-Royce and Bentley — raised further questions. It remains unclear whether these were sold or taken into exile with Jammeh, who was allowed to leave with some personal items.
In response to the scandal, President Barrow disclosed that the cabinet had met to review the sales, some of which he claimed to be hearing about “for the first time.” He added that both the National Assembly and National Audit Office were conducting independent reviews and that their findings would be made public.
“My government will enforce their recommendations to address the shortcomings discovered and hold accountable any individual or entity found culpable,” Barrow stated, urging citizens to remain calm while assuring zero tolerance for misconduct.
Despite these assurances, opposition figures and civil society groups have expressed skepticism. Yayah Sanyang, an opposition lawmaker, called for an independent inquiry, arguing that parliament is dominated by the ruling party’s allies. The Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice also called on President Barrow to suspend all ongoing asset sales and accept responsibility.
In 2022, U.S. authorities seized a mansion in Maryland believed to have been purchased with Jammeh’s illicit funds. The U.S. Justice Department said the former leader had acquired at least 281 properties and operated more than 100 private bank accounts during his presidency.
As public pressure mounts, many Gambians are demanding greater accountability and a transparent audit of the asset recovery process.
