Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The coalition of concerned citizens under the banner of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has shared with the public its petition to The Gambia’s Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Chambers, calling for urgent transparency and accountability in the sale of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh.

The petition follows revelations from an investigative report by The Republic, titled “The Assets of Gambia’s Former Dictator Go for a Song,” which uncovered troubling irregularities in the disposal of Jammeh’s confiscated properties. According to GALA, the report points to instances of undervaluation, opaque sale processes, and possible insider dealings that threaten to undermine the original intent of asset recovery—namely justice, restitution, and national healing.

“These assets were seized on behalf of the Gambian people,” the petition states. “But instead of transparency, we are witnessing a process shrouded in secrecy and potential corruption.”

GALA’s petition is grounded in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, particularly Section 25(1)(f) which guarantees the right to petition the executive for redress, and the Access to Information Act of 2021, which affirms the right to access public records. The group frames its demands as a test of the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.

Among the coalition’s key demands are the immediate publication of a full, unredacted list of all assets seized from Jammeh and his associates, along with sale prices, buyer names, and valuation methodologies.

GALA also demands a detailed accounting of how the proceeds from the asset sales have been spent, including any intermediary or consultancy fees paid in the process.

In a move that adds a political dimension to the petition, GALA has called for the withdrawal of the nomination of former Justice Minister Abubacarr Ba Tambadou to the International Criminal Court.

The group argues that Tambadou’s role in overseeing the asset disposal process during his tenure raises serious concerns about his suitability for an international judicial post.

Further, the petition urges the establishment of an independent oversight body to monitor and audit both past and future sales. This body, they suggest, should include representatives from the National Assembly, the National Audit Office, and civil society organizations to ensure impartial and thorough scrutiny.

GALA also calls on President Adama Barrow to publicly address the nation regarding the allegations and to present a clear, time-bound plan to restore accountability and reform the asset disposal framework.

“The current revelations are not mere administrative lapses,” GALA emphasizes. “They constitute a critical test of our country’s dedication to truth, justice, and democratic reform.”

The petition ends with an appeal to Gambian citizens to remain engaged and vigilant, underscoring the stakes involved in protecting public resources from mismanagement and exploitation.

Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has also acknowledged the government’s compliance with some of its demands, including the publication of the asset list and the President’s public address.

While welcoming efforts aimed at ensuring full accountability in the sale of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets, GALA stated it will adopt a formal position on the published list after a thorough review.

The group also urges citizens to attend the National Assembly’s extraordinary sitting scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. in Banjul, where the investigative report on the asset sales will be discussed.

GALA reaffirmed its belief that, through united efforts and youth-led activism at home and abroad, corruption and mismanagement in public institutions can be overcome.