Africa-Press – Gambia. Lead counsel of the Janneh Commission, Amie Bensouda, on Thursday reappeared before the National Assembly Special Select Committee investigating the sale and disposal of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh.
During her testimony, Bensouda openly questioned the committee’s line of inquiry, stating that she should be formally notified if her appearance was connected to allegations made against her by the commission’s former secretary, Alhagie Mamadi Kurang.“I know one person in public media and public space, and I said it before, who has made allegations, and the questions that I’m being asked are very similar to the allegations that they have made. If this committee is investigating allegations made by Mr. Mamadi Kurang, I should be told so I can come ready to answer those allegations,” she said.
Bensouda noted that she had appeared before the committee for three consecutive days to provide evidence on the sale and disposal of assets, but was uncertain whether the current questioning fell within the committee’s mandate. She expressed concern that some questions appeared to focus more on her appointment and role rather than the substantive issues surrounding the asset disposals.
She emphasized the need for clarity on what the committee considered relevant to the investigation, stating that clear guidance was necessary for her to provide accurate and lawful testimony. While reaffirming her willingness to fully cooperate, she maintained that proper communication was essential to ensure her responses remained within the committee’s mandate.
Lead counsel for the committee, Lamin M. Dibba, reassured Bensouda that the questions posed were consistent with the committee’s responsibilities and were intended to clarify her role in the commission’s operations and investigative processes.
Committee Chairperson Abdoulie Ceesay added that inquiries regarding the work of investigators, appointments, and related matters fell squarely within the committee’s mandate to understand how Jammeh’s assets were managed and sold.
Bensouda’s concerns were raised after she was asked whether investigators operated under her authority. She responded in the negative. However, counsel Dibba noted that four previous witnesses, including Kurang, had testified that investigators worked under the lead counsel. Bensouda maintained her earlier position, insisting that investigators did not work under her and operated independently.
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