Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The public hearing on the disposal of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets concluded on 26 November 2025. This high-profile process, which began months ago, was set up to scrutinize the sale, management, and recovery of government properties and funds during his administration. Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Dawda A. Jallow, provided detailed testimony, clarifying key controversies surrounding asset sales, recovered funds, and unresolved items that continue to draw public attention.
The hearing revealed that Jammeh-era asset sales were conducted in multiple phases. Mr. Jallow explained that phases one, two, and three of property sales were approved before he assumed office, though some payments and completions occurred later under his supervision. Technical committees initially recommended public auctions for some properties. However, government decisions sometimes overrode these recommendations, reserving certain properties for official use.
On the contentious sale of cattle, Mr. Jallow confirmed that proceeds were initially lodged in a trust account under the Judiciary. Following his instructions, the funds were transferred to the central bank by the Ministry of Justice. He emphasized that his role was limited to issuing verbal directives to his staff, while operational execution rested with the Solicitor General and Director of Civil Litigation.
One of the most controversial topics discussed was the mysterious “safe.” Mr. Jallow admitted that he had never been briefed on its contents or custody, nor on items such as the scanner linked to the safe. He recommended that the Committee inspect the safe directly at the Ministry of Justice to clarify its contents.
Regarding international asset searches, Mr. Jallow noted that previous contracts to locate assets abroad, including in Panama and Switzerland, lapsed due to disagreements. Responsibility for continuing these searches now rests with the Ministry of Finance, supported by external firms.
The Attorney General also highlighted that operational details of asset management, including auction timelines and deposit of proceeds, fall under other government offices, such as the Solicitor General and the Judiciary.
While the public hearing provided valuable insight into the disposal of Jammeh’s assets, key questions remain unanswered. The custody of the safe, updates on newly discovered properties, and timelines for finalizing asset recoveries are still pending.
The hearing, which commenced as part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of Jammeh-era assets, has now concluded its public sessions. The Attorney General’s clarifications are expected to guide the next stages of reporting and further government action on recovered properties.
