The Gambia has received $2.5 million from the sale of a United States property linked to former president Yahya Jammeh, with the funds earmarked for reparations to victims of abuses committed during his 22-year rule.
The country’s Reparations Commission confirmed on Tuesday that the money had been received and would be used exclusively to compensate victims and survivors of abuses under the former leader.
The funds were returned following a September announcement by the US Department of Justice that proceeds from the sale of a mansion in Potomac, a wealthy suburb of Washington, would be repatriated to The Gambia.
According to the US authorities, Jammeh and his wife purchased the property using proceeds from criminal activities and misappropriated Gambian public funds.
The return of the money represents a step towards implementing a 2023 law providing for reparations to victims of abuses committed during Jammeh’s administration.
In a statement, the Reparations Commission described the recovery as “an important step” towards fulfilling the country’s commitment to compensating victims.
The commission pledged to manage the funds responsibly and transparently, taking into account the rights and needs of victims and survivors.
Jammeh, who ruled The Gambia from 1994 to 2017, has been accused of overseeing widespread human rights abuses, including the killing of political opponents, enforced disappearances, rape and torture.
A commission of inquiry estimated that between 240 and 250 people were killed by forces under his administration. He has also been accused of diverting millions of dollars in public funds for personal use.
Jammeh left office in 2017 after losing the 2016 presidential election to Adama Barrow and subsequently departing the country following pressure from neighbouring states. He currently lives in Equatorial Guinea.
The recovery of the US property proceeds forms part of broader efforts to address alleged financial misconduct under the former administration and provide redress for victims of abuses.
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