Muhammad BS Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Vice President of The Gambia, Muhammad B.S. Jallow informed lawmakers on Monday that his office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, is preparing a detailed report on the sale of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh.
VP Jallow made these remarks during a session at the National Assembly while responding to queries from Hon. Almameh Gibba, the National Assembly member for Foni Kansala constituency.
“Hon Speaker, there still exist ambiguities surrounding the sales of assets of former President Yahya AJJ Jammeh without clear receipts of the sales, no evidence of buyers’ names, and the cost of each asset. Could His Excellency, the Vice President, inform this August Assembly if the President is ready to set up further”. Gibba Asked.
“Honorable Speaker, I wish to inform this August Assembly that my office is working in consultation with the Ministry of Justice to put forward a comprehensive report as it relates to the sales of former president Jammeh’s assets during and after the settings of the Commission,” VP Jallow said.
In response to inquiries regarding government consideration of the matter, he stated that there are currently no plans for such action.
During his supplementary question, Hon. Almamy Gibba, National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, emphasized that it has been two years since the issue was raised in Parliament, yet the Minister of Justice could not provide details on those requests. He asked the Vice President when these details would be made available to Parliament.
The Vice President responded by affirming their commitment to providing a comprehensive report as soon as possible. However, he could not specify a timeline for its release.
Hon. Gibba also queried the Vice President about the total cost and asset sales details, but the Speaker ruled the question out, citing that it fell outside the purview of the Vice President’s office.
Following this, Hon. Bakary K. Badjie, National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang Constituency, questioned why the government faced challenges in disclosing the buyers of former President Jammeh’s assets. The Vice President clarified that while naming buyers isn’t problematic, a detailed report containing all pertinent information will be prepared and shared.
Subsequently, Hon. Kebba Tumanding Sanneh, National Assembly Member for Foni Jarrol Constituency, asked the Vice President to disclose how many of Jammeh’s assets remain today. The Speaker ruled this question out as substantive, advising members to submit written inquiries on the matter.
Most supplementary questions related to the assets were ruled out by the Speaker based on parliamentary standing orders.