Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The National Assembly has officially approved the formation of a new select committee tasked with investigating the sale of assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh. The motion to establish the committee was passed on Thursday, following a tense debate over the nominated members.
Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, Chair of the Committee of Selection, presented the motion, which garnered majority support in parliament. However, the approval was met with significant pushback from several lawmakers who voiced concerns regarding the committee’s composition.
The newly formed committee is mandated to review the handling of Jammeh’s assets, which were seized following his departure from office. Their work will focus particularly on the process of sale and disposal.
During the debate, concerns were raised about the lack of political diversity and the absence of female representation in the committee’s membership. Some lawmakers also questioned the capacity of certain nominees to dedicate sufficient time to the inquiry, given their involvement in other key parliamentary committees.
Hon. Almameh Gibba of Foni Kansala specifically opposed the appointment of Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay as chairperson, citing potential conflicts of interest due to political affiliations.
Similar reservations were voiced by Hon. Fatou Cham and Hon. Assan Touray, both advocating for a more balanced and inclusive list of members.
“The credibility of this committee hinges on fairness. Currently, the composition appears one-sided,” stated Hon. Cham.
Lawmakers Nfally Kora and Momodou Ceesay further emphasized the unacceptable absence of female members in 2025.
Despite these objections, the Assembly ultimately voted in favor of the proposed list, paving the way for the seven-member team to commence its work.
The appointed committee members are:
Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay (Chairperson)
Hon. Madi Ceesay (Vice Chairperson)
Hon. Suwaibou Touray
Hon. Kebba Lang Fofana
Hon. Omar Jammeh
Hon. Sheriff Sarr
Hon. Alhagie Mbowe
The committee is now expected to begin reviewing pertinent documents and engage with relevant stakeholders before presenting its findings to the National Assembly.
