The Government of The Gambia and the United States have signed a landmark agreement for the return of money recovered from a property in Potomac, Maryland, tied to the financial dealings of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.
The funds, forfeited by the U.S. Government in 2020 following legal proceedings, will be transferred to The Gambia’s Reparations Fund at the Central Bank. The fund is independently managed by the Reparations Commission, ensuring transparency and accountability in its use.
The Potomac property was among assets linked to Jammeh’s regime, with proceedings informed by findings from The Gambia’s Janneh Commission, which investigated the financial activities of public institutions and their connections to the former president.
Seedy Keita, the Minister of Financial and Economic Affairs, confirmed that the recovered money will be directed toward reparations for victims who suffered harm during Jammeh’s rule.
He said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to provide justice and healing for those affected by human rights abuses and financial mismanagement under the former regime.
“This agreement reflects international cooperation in asset recovery and underscores our commitment to supporting victims,” a Gambian Government statement noted.
The move marks another step in The Gambia’s transitional justice process, reinforcing the importance of accountability and reparations in rebuilding trust between the state and its citizens.
