The Gambia justice ministry indicated on Thursday, July 20, that there are plans to establish a second Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate the interference or confiscation of private properties by the former president, Yahya Jammeh.
By Kebba Jeffang
“There are plans to establish a second Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the alleged unlawful interference with and/or confiscation of private property by former President Yahya Jammeh under cover of the State,” said Aboubacarr Tambadou, the minister of Justice.
He said his ministry has received numerous complaints and petitions from individuals alleging unlawful confiscation of their properties especially land by former President under cover of the State.
“It is the ministry’s view that in light of the number of complaints and petitions received, it will be for the public good to establish another Presidential Commission of Inquiry to look into alleged unlawful interference with and/or confiscation of private property by former President Yahya Jammeh in the name of the State,” he said.
Tambadou, said several reasons including the need to avoid potential overlap in some areas of inquiry between the two separate commissions of inquiry, the Commission of inquiry into the alleged unlawful interference with and/or confiscation of private property is expected to be established after the completion of the work of the Commission of inquiry into the financial activities of public enterprises as regards their dealings with former President Jammeh.
Meanwhile, he said a presidential Commission of Inquiry into the financial activities of public enterprises, bodies and offices as regards their dealings with former President Jammeh has now been established.
“The Commission’s Terms of Reference have been published and are available at the National Printing Office. The Commission shall sit for 3 months from July 2017 at the Jerma Beach Hotel. The Commission will soon make public announcements with further details about their sittings,” he concluded.