Gambia: CSOs Demand Independent Probe Into Jammeh-Era Assets Disposal
Civil Society Organisations in The Gambia are demanding independent investigations and a nationwide forensic audit into the sale and disposal of assets recovered from former President Yahya Jammeh, citing concerns over alleged governance, transparency, and financial manag…
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
Following a parliamentary report that highlighted irregularities, conflicts of interest, and weak financial controls in the handling of Jammeh-era assets, Gambian CSOs, legal practitioners, and journalists have issued a joint position paper. They are calling for a thorough probe to ensure accountability and proper management of public property recovered after the former president's ex…
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Analysis
Janneh Commission's Legacy
The Janneh Commission of Inquiry was established in 2017 following the end of Yahya Jammeh's 22-year rule, tasked with investigating allegations of financial misconduct and unlawful acquisition of public assets. Its findings, concluded in 2019, led to government acceptance of recommendations for the forfeiture of properties, companies, and other assets to the state. This initial step was crucial for The Gambia's transitional justice efforts, aiming to recover wealth allegedly stolen from the public.
However, the subsequent process of managing and disposing of these recovered assets has become a new source of contention. Civil society organizations are now highlighting significant concerns that the very mechanisms meant to rectify past wrongs may be compromised by new irregularities. This situation underscores the complex challenges inherent in post-authoritarian transitions, where establishing robust, transparent institutions is paramount but often fraught with difficulties.
National Assembly Special Select Committee
The controversy surrounding the disposal of Jammeh-era assets prompted parliamentary scrutiny, leading to the establishment of the National Assembly Special Select Committee in May 2025. This committee was tasked with investigating the sale and disposal processes, and its report, adopted in March 2026 and published in July, has become a key document in the ongoing accountability debate. The report itself, however, raised more questions than it answered for many observers.
The parliamentary findings highlighted alleged administrative irregularities, weak inter-agency coordination, poor documentation, and questions over the disposal of various assets including land, livestock, and vehicles. The CSOs' position paper specifically points to concerns about alleged conflicts of interest, undue influence, irregular procedures, and weak financial controls identified within this report. The fact that an addendum was later required due to omissions further erodes public confidence in the thoroughness and integrity of the initial review.
Asset Recovery and Management Law
A central recommendation from the civil society groups is the urgent need for a comprehensive Asset Recovery and Management Law. This proposed legislation aims to address the systemic weaknesses exposed by the current controversy, which they argue goes beyond individual misconduct to reveal deeper institutional flaws. Such a law would clearly define custody, valuation, sale procedures, and oversight mechanisms for recovered assets.
The absence of such a clear legal framework has contributed to overlapping mandates, unclear responsibilities, and poor record-keeping across various government institutions involved in the asset management process. By establishing a central professional authority and mandating digitisation of records, the CSOs hope to create a more transparent and accountable system. This legislative push is critical not only for rectifying past errors but also for building a resilient governance structure that can prevent similar issues in the future and ensure public assets are managed for the true benefit of the Gambian people.
Key points
- Gambian CSOs demand independent investigations into the disposal of assets recovered from former President Yahya Jammeh.
- Concerns include alleged governance, transparency, and financial management failures, as highlighted by a parliamentary report.
- Issues raised involve alleged conflicts of interest, irregular procedures, weak financial controls, and non-compliance with court orders.
- CSOs are calling for a nationwide forensic audit, publication of a national asset register, and a new Asset Recovery and Management Law.
- The controversy dates back to the end of Jammeh's 22-year rule and the subsequent establishment of the Janneh Commission.
If the independent investigations and forensic audit proceed transparently, it could restore public trust in The Gambia's governance institutions and strengthen accountability mechanisms. This could lead to the recovery of assets sold below value and the establishment of a robust legal framework for future asset management, setting a positive precedent for democratic transitions.
Should the government fail to act decisively on the CSOs' demands, or if the investigations are perceived as compromised, it could further erode public confidence in the post-Jammeh administration. This inaction might perpetuate a cycle of impunity, undermine efforts to combat corruption, and potentially destabilize the country's fragile democratic transition.
