Africa-Press – Gambia. Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubacarr Tambadou, has denied suggestions that former Vice President Ousainou Darboe influenced the establishment or composition of the Janneh Commission.
Testifying before the National Assembly’s Special Select Committee Investigating the Sale and Disposal of Assets Identified by the Janneh Commission, Tambadou clarified that he personally identified Justice S.B.S. Janneh to chair the Commission, contrary to public claims that Darboe had handpicked the members.
“I was the one who personally identified Mr. S.B.S. Janneh at the time,” Tambadou said. “I called him and later met him in my office to offer him the opportunity. If he agreed, I would forward his name to the President for approval. That is how he was appointed as Chair.”
Tambadou explained that he also advised the President on the appointment of the two other commissioners, based on criteria established by the Ministry of Justice. He said the guiding values were Gambian nationality, professional competence, high repute, trustworthiness, and non-partisanship. Gender balance and relevant expertise in the subject matter were also considered.
He further stressed that the President had no objections to his recommendations and that the Cabinet only approved the names he proposed.
Addressing the question of terms of reference, Tambadou said the Commission derived its mandate from the legal notice issued in July 2017 and from provisions of the Constitution and the Commission of Inquiry Act. He noted that no separate terms of reference were issued to the Chair or Commissioners, as the government deliberately allowed the body to set its own operational guidelines.
Tambadou also defended the appointment of lead counsel Amie Bensouda and Secretary Alhaji Kurang, both of whom he said were chosen for their professional qualifications. He maintained that their private-sector backgrounds were consistent with the government’s objective of ensuring independence from sitting public officials.
He acknowledged, however, that lessons could be learned from the process: “If I had to do things again, I would certainly reflect on the past and improve upon it. Self-reflection is part of growth.”
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