Gambia: Probe says former president stole millions

BANJUL, Gambia

In over two decades in power, Gambian strongman Yahya Jammeh stole over $360 million from the nation, and also amassed millions in properties and businesses at home and abroad, according to a new commission report.

Abubacarr Tambadou, Gambia’s justice minister, on Friday presented the report on the financial activities of Jammeh to President Adama Barrow.

Tambadou said the report established that Jammeh claimed title to 281 landed properties in the country and also assets abroad, including an American residence seized by U.S. authorities.

He said the investigation found that the former ruler’s assets at his home village of Kanilai are worth $28.2 million.

“It has now been established that the former president pilfered at least 1.065 billion Gambian dalasi [$21.43 million], $304.7 million, €29.5 million [$33.1 million], and 2.25 million pounds [$2.94 million],” said Tambadou.

Efforts are in place to recover the stolen monies, he added.

"My government will stand firm in implementing the recommendations of the commission without fear or favor," said Barrow. The report has yet to be made public.

Jammeh ruled Gambia for 22 years after taking the presidency through a 1994 military coup. After trying to cling to power after losing an election, in January 2017 he fled office in the face of a regional intervention force, taking up residence in exile in Equatorial Guinea.