A special parliamentary panel investigating the assets of former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh concluded a tense session with Justice Minister Dawda Jallow, scrutinising the sale of government properties, the management of cattle-auction proceeds, and wider concerns about financial accountability. Jallow emphasised that most asset sales in phases one to three were approved before he took office, noting that although some transactions were finalised during his tenure, he had no role in the initial decisions.
Lawmakers questioned the transparency of the sale process. Jallow explained that the properties were publicly advertised and bids were submitted in sealed envelopes, which were opened in a formal session to maintain documentation and minimise interference.
The committee confirmed that all asset disposals had been suspended following earlier findings by the panel. Despite this, the government has asked for authorisation to resume sales, but approval has not been granted, leaving the future of the properties uncertain.
A major point of contention involved proceeds from cattle auctions. An internal judiciary memo showed that the funds, initially held in a judiciary trust account, were later transferred to a government account at the Central Bank. The transfer was reportedly carried out on verbal instructions from Jallow, prompting serious questions about adherence to financial protocols.
Further concerns arose regarding a safe allegedly held by the Ministry of Justice. Jallow stated he had no official knowledge of its existence, leading the panel to schedule an onsite inspection to determine its contents and chain of responsibility.
On the issue of tracing Jammeh’s foreign assets, Jallow confirmed that no new discoveries had been made and that a contract with an international asset-recovery firm was terminated after failed negotiations. The Ministry of Finance, with support from external consultants, has since taken over the search. The panel has requested extensive documentation to clarify the transactions and determine where accountability lies as the inquiry nears its conclusion.
