Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- Attorney General Tambedou, in his third appearance before the Commission of Inquiry, outlined how delayed communications within government departments affected the preservation of assets worth millions of dalasi.

Tambedou confirmed that a High Court order issued on 22nd May sought to preserve key government properties, including livestock, vehicles, and construction equipment. He told the commission:
“This was a period of urgency. Livestock could be moved, sold, or diseased if not properly secured.”
While the order was publicly announced at a press conference, not all government departments received it promptly. He noted that Gilma, under the Ministry of Agriculture, received the memo on 4th June, but other departments, including the unit responsible for wildlife, reportedly never received it.
The Attorney General explained that while the Ministry of Justice handled administrative oversight, the army had already taken physical control of livestock locations before the Commission of Inquiry was formed.

Regarding tractor sales, Tambedou said: “The Ministry of Agriculture requested that the sale of tractors be deferred for redistribution to farming communities ahead of the rainy season. Although Cabinet approved communicating the request, the Commission acted independently and proceeded with the sale.” He also provided financial details of asset sales, stating: “Livestock sales raised 8.4 million dalasi, though delays in communication and operational bottlenecks likely reduced potential revenue.”
Tambedou reiterated the Commission’s authority, noting that:

“While Cabinet debated the Commission’s powers, it had no authority to dictate actions. The Commission acted legally and independently.”

His testimony outlined the steps taken to safeguard government assets, including the issuance of the High Court order, the army’s role in securing livestock, the Ministry of Agriculture’s requests, and the Commission’s independent execution of its mandate.