Africa-Press – Gambia. Suharata BS Janneh, former chairperson of the Janneh Commission, appeared before the National Assembly’s Special Select Committee on Tuesday to testify about the sale and disposal of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh.
Ms. Janneh said the commission had planned negotiations for the sale of luxury vehicles seized from the former president. “We thought we would have some sort of talk with people, the secretary would lead on that. To talk to leading people in the Gambia who were experts, perhaps they look for people here, but we believe that for the most part, only foreigners can buy the luxury vehicles,” he said.
Janneh explained that any property slated for sale was to have a reserve price and that negotiations were envisioned to ensure fair transactions. He noted that the commission had identified more than ten luxury vehicles stored on government grounds.
During questioning, lead counsel Lamin Dibba presented evidence that the government had reportedly exchanged seven luxury vehicles with a foreign company in Dakar in return for 14 others. Mr. Janneh responded that the commission’s records indicated more than seven luxury vehicles, alongside other cars and some military vehicles.
He further stated that, as is common in other commissions, the Secretary was asked to oversee the sale due to his extensive experience. He emphasized that the assignment was given solely because of the former Secretary Mamadi Kurang’s expertise and that Kurang had accepted the role.
When questioned about why some vehicles were sold below the reserved price, the witness said that no one had approached him personally regarding sales below the reserve.
He also testified that the commission had recommended the sale of a luxury vehicle, but admitted that they did not verify whether the vehicles were actually sold according to their recommendations.
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