Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Former Lead Counsel of the Janneh Commission, Amie Bensouda on Thursday made her second appearance before the National Assembly’s Special Select Committee examining the recovery of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh, where she once again defended her role as a personally appointed consultant to the probe.
Bensouda maintained that her engagement was made to her as an individual and not to her law firm, despite the fact that the engagement letter she signed was issued on her firm’s letterhead.
She described the use of the letterhead as “purely practical,” explaining that, as managing partner, she naturally conducted correspondence on the firm’s stationery.
Committee members, however, questioned the implications of documenting a personal appointment on corporate stationery. They argued that the overlap raises concerns over liability, responsibility, and the potential use of firm resources for what is asserted to be a personal engagement.
In response, Bensouda stressed that the substance of the appointment—not the stationery used—determines its nature. “The offer was made to me personally, and I accepted personally,” she emphasized, adding that the administrative form of the documentation did not alter that fact.
Members of the Committee noted that clarifying the distinction is essential for the accuracy of the final report, particularly if any disputes arise over responsibility for decisions taken during the asset recovery process.
They also underscored that their line of questioning was aimed at establishing factual clarity, not challenging her integrity.
Bensouda’s return to the witness table underscores the ongoing scrutiny of key actors who played major roles in state commissions instituted after the Jammeh era. While she remained firm in her explanation, questions relating to procedural transparency and professional boundaries remain a point of public and legislative interest.
The Committee stated that its findings will rely heavily on the documentation and explanations provided, with Bensouda’s continued cooperation expected as it finalizes its report.
