Editorial Darboe’s Double Standards: The Truth Behind the Parliamentary Inquiry into Jammeh’s Assets

By JarraNewsTV Editorial Board

In recent weeks, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe has made bold headlines with his dramatic denunciation of the National Assembly’s inquiry into the sale of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets. He has branded the investigation as political theater, dismissed the committee’s work as partisan, and called instead for a “judicial inquiry” led by a High Court Judge.

But in doing so, the veteran lawyer and UDP leader has not only contradicted his own past positions — he has also sought to rewrite the very history that produced this inquiry in the first place.

The Real Origin of This InquiryLet us remind ourselves: the ongoing parliamentary probe was not born out of political malice or partisan vendetta. It was born out of public outrage.

 The Janneh Commission, which Darboe now glorifies as a paragon of judicial impartiality, stands accused of serious legal irregularities and procedural excesses in the management and sale of Jammeh’s confiscated assets.

Numerous reports and testimonies indicate that the Commission — dominated by lawyers and judges — overstepped its mandate. It ordered asset sales without proper judicial validation, authorized transfers to politically connected individuals, and allegedly failed to ensure transparent accounting for the proceeds.

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The National Assembly’s Select Committee was therefore established not to retry Jammeh’s regime, but to examine the integrity of the Commission’s own actions. If some of those actions amounted to manipulation, abuse of office, or conflict of interest, Parliament has both the constitutional authority and civic duty to investigate them.

Darboe’s Convenient Amnesia

Ousainou Darboe’s sudden defense of the Janneh Commission is as puzzling as it is revealing. Not long ago, the same Darboe publicly questioned the legality of the Commission’s decisions when they targeted individuals close to his own political circle.

Back in 2019, he criticized the sweeping confiscations of private properties, warning that the Commission had become “a court of confiscation rather than of justice.”

 Now, as the focus shifts to the Commission’s own conduct — and by extension, the powerful legal elite that led it — Darboe has changed his tune.

What we see today is not a defense of constitutional principle, but a defense of privilege and proximity. His call for a “judicial inquiry” is less about fairness and more about keeping the matter within the comfortable walls of the legal fraternity, where the same actors could once again sit in judgment of themselves.

Parliament Has the Mandate — and the Duty

Darboe’s argument that Parliament is “usurping judicial authority” is legally and constitutionally flawed.

 Under Section 109 of The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution, the National Assembly is empowered to investigate any matter of public concern — especially those involving the mismanagement of public property or abuse of authority.

A parliamentary inquiry is not a court. It cannot convict or confiscate. What it can do, and must do, is shine light on wrongdoing, recommend reforms, and ensure that public officials, regardless of status, face accountability.

If the courts have already had their turn — through the Janneh Commission — and left behind a trail of controversy and unanswered questions, then it is Parliament’s turn to act on behalf of the people.

The Politicization Claim Is Pure Projection

In his interviews, Darboe warns about the “politicization” of the inquiry and invokes the so-called “Talib factor,” suggesting that the proceedings are designed to target UDP figures.

 This argument collapses under scrutiny.

The Committee’s questioning of Lawyer Amie Bensouda, the former Lead Counsel of the Janneh Commission, is not a political attack — it is a matter of direct responsibility. Bensouda was central to the Commission’s decisions on asset valuation, sale, and legal compliance. Her actions, like those of any other public officer, must withstand scrutiny.

It is disingenuous to shield her behind her son’s political status. Accountability does not become persecution simply because it touches those with political connections. The rule of law must apply evenly — or it does not apply at all.

Transparency, Not Secrecy

Darboe’s call for “in camera” (closed-door) sessions betrays a troubling double standard.

 When the Janneh Commission was hauling former Jammeh officials and private citizens before live cameras, Darboe raised no objection. Now that lawyers and judges are the ones facing public questions, he suddenly discovers a love for confidentiality.

If openness was good enough for Jammeh’s ministers, it should be good enough for the Janneh Commission’s operatives. Gambians deserve to witness every step of this process, precisely because secrecy is what allowed injustice to flourish in the first place.

The Real Test: Accountability Without Exception

The parliamentary inquiry into the sale of Jammeh’s assets is more than a political episode — it is a test of our democratic maturity.

 For too long, judicial and legal elites have operated above scrutiny, wielding public power without public accountability. The National Assembly’s investigation represents a turning point — an assertion that no office, no title, and no profession is beyond the reach of oversight.

Darboe’s attempt to frame this inquiry as a political circus is, in truth, an effort to shield a professional circle that once acted with unchecked authority. But Gambians are wiser now. They know that justice must not only be seen to be done — it must be seen to be done to everyone, without fear or favor.

Our Take

JarraNewsTV holds that the National Assembly’s Select Committee is operating squarely within its constitutional mandate. The Committee’s mission is to seek truth, expose misconduct, and restore integrity to a process that has long been cloaked in legal mystique.

Ousainou Darboe’s legal grandstanding may play well to partisan audiences, but it collapses before the facts. This inquiry was not launched by politicians seeking revenge; it was compelled by the failures of those who once claimed moral superiority under the guise of legality.

The Gambia does not need fewer inquiries — it needs honest ones, free from both political and professional manipulation.

 The people deserve answers, not lectures. They deserve truth, not theater.

JarraNewsTV Editorial Board

 “Justice must not protect privilege; it must serve the people.”

Bajo Leads Inauguration of GFF Legends Committee to Strengthen Legacy and Welfare of Former Players

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

KANIFING – The President of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Mr. Lamin Kabba Bajo, on Thursday presided over the official inauguration of the GFF Legends and Veteran Affairs Committee at the Football House in Kanifing. The newly constituted body is tasked with preserving the legacy of Gambian football icons and promoting the welfare of retired players and administrators.

In his keynote address, President Bajo underscored the significance of the committee’s formation, praising its members for their lifelong service to the game.

“I have no doubt about the commitment of the members of this committee,” he said. “Your sacrifices and contributions to Gambian football cannot be overemphasised. The Committee comprises highly qualified individuals with deep knowledge of our football—both past and present.”

Hon. James Gomez, appointed as Vice Chairman of the committee, expressed gratitude to the GFF leadership for the confidence reposed in him and his colleagues. He lauded the initiative as a vital step towards honouring those who have shaped the sport.

 “Some of us are retired, but when we’re called by football, we must answer,” Gomez remarked, urging fellow members to uphold the high standards expected of them.

Other speakers, including Mr. Cherno Bara Touray, Mr. Tijan Masaneh Ceesay, Mr. Essa Faye, Mr. Edmond Shonubi, and Mr. Baboucarr Sowe (Laos), also commended the GFF for the initiative and pledged their unwavering support to deliver on the committee’s mandate.

The Legends and Veteran Affairs Committee will play a pivotal role in recognising excellence, ensuring fairness in the GFF’s annual awards, and safeguarding the welfare of former players and administrators.

According to the Terms of Reference, the committee’s responsibilities include:

Establishing eligibility criteria for recognising former national team players as official Legends.

Serving as the panel of judges for the GFF Annual Awards Ceremony, overseeing the nomination and selection process in collaboration with the GFF Awards Committee.

Vetting nominations across all award categories to ensure transparency and equity.

Using official competition statistics from the GFF Competitions Department to assess nominees from both male and female divisions.

Developing nomination and award criteria for foreign-based players.

Maintaining a comprehensive database of legends, nominees, award recipients, and former administrators.

Submitting detailed post-event reports highlighting successes, challenges, and recommendations.

Holding periodic meetings as determined by the Chairperson.

Establishing a GFF Hall of Fame to celebrate football excellence.

Creating and managing a Veteran Welfare Fund to support former players and officials.

With the launch of this committee, the GFF takes another significant step in institutionalising recognition for those who have dedicated their lives to Gambian football—both on and off the pitch.

“Data Is the New Gold”: GRA Boss Yankuba Darboe Champions Smart, Secure Data Use for Stronger Tax Systems

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Algiers, Algeria — The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Yankuba Darboe, has underscored the vital role of third-party data in shaping the future of efficient and transparent tax administration across Africa.

Speaking on Wednesday at a high-level panel during the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Annual General Meeting in Algiers, Darboe described data as both “the lifeblood of compliance management” and “the new gold” of modern revenue collection systems.

He emphasized that by integrating data from external sources, revenue bodies can gain a comprehensive understanding of taxpayer activities, which is crucial for identifying non-compliance, reducing the tax gap, and promoting fairness within the system.

Drawing on The Gambia’s ongoing digital transformation, the GRA boss revealed how the institution has successfully harnessed third-party information to improve revenue performance. However, he also pointed to challenges that accompany such advancements — particularly issues of data privacy and ethical use.

 “The goal is to find the right balance,” Darboe said, stressing the importance of restricting data sharing to information that directly supports revenue collection, while protecting citizens’ privacy.

In this regard, Darboe noted that the GRA has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key government institutions and stakeholders to facilitate controlled data exchange. He further highlighted that the newly enacted Data Privacy and Protection Act provides a strong legal framework to ensure that these processes remain secure and accountable.

His remarks struck a chord with fellow tax administrators from across the continent, many of whom are navigating similar issues as they strive to boost domestic resource mobilization. Darboe’s message — that smart data use and respect for privacy can coexist — resonated as a guiding principle for sustainable reform.

The ATAF meeting continues through the week, bringing together delegates and policymakers to share insights and innovative strategies aimed at strengthening Africa’s tax systems in an increasingly data-driven world.

Gambia High Commission Champions Economic Diplomacy with Zenya World Partnership

JarraNewsTV – Staff Reporter

London, United Kingdom 

The Gambia High Commission in London has taken another bold step in advancing the government’s drive for economic diplomacy, holding a fruitful meeting this week with Miss Fatou Sanyang, representative of Zenya World Limited, a UK-based fintech company founded by a Gambian entrepreneur.

The meeting, led by Mr. Sulayman Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission, and attended by Mr. Zindi Anthony Levi, Diplomatic Intern, reflected the High Commission’s growing efforts to connect Gambian businesses with international partners and promote trade and investment opportunities abroad.

According to officials, discussions focused on Zenya World’s proposal to collaborate with the High Commission on a new initiative aimed at strengthening trade and business ties between The Gambia and the United Kingdom. The proposed partnership seeks to create a strategic platform to boost bilateral cooperation, encourage trade and investment, and increase the visibility of Gambian enterprises within the UK market.

Zenya World Limited’s fintech background and entrepreneurial roots offer a unique advantage in this collaboration. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable economic growth resonates strongly with the Gambian government’s vision under President Adama Barrow, which places private sector development and international partnerships at the heart of national progress.

Mr. Touray described the meeting as “a positive step toward deepening The Gambia’s economic footprint in the United Kingdom,” noting that such partnerships are vital to the country’s long-term trade and investment goals.

The High Commission welcomed Zenya’s initiative as timely and forward-thinking, especially as preparations intensify for the UK–Gambia Business and Investment Forum 2026 — a key event expected to draw investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from both countries.

With this collaboration, the Gambia High Commission continues to affirm its commitment to promoting the country’s economic interests abroad and positioning The Gambia as a dynamic and open destination for trade, technology, and investment.

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The Era of Impunity Is Over — Jammeh’s Return Must Come Through the Law, Not WhatsApp!

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator

Former President Yahya Jammeh and his self-styled supporters have once again displayed an astonishing level of arrogance and disregard for the rule of law and the intelligence of the Gambian people. After years of boasting and grandstanding on social media, the same individuals now seek “statutory guarantees” for a peaceful return—while simultaneously rejecting the legality of the very commissions that exposed the crimes, corruption, and human rights abuses of his 22-year dictatorship.

Let it be made abundantly clear: no amount of revisionist rhetoric or WhatsApp declarations can erase the facts or nullify the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and the Janneh Commission. Both commissions were lawfully established under Acts of the National Assembly, pursuant to the 1997 Constitution. Their mandates were firmly rooted in national law and recognized by international institutions including ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.

Is Yahya Jammeh and his supporters conveniently becoming passively amnesic that Jammeh himself created the Algali Commission to investigate officials of the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara government—a commission established not under the Constitution, but by a mere military decree? He not only recognized the legality of that commission but went ahead to implement its findings without hesitation, leading to the unlawful confiscation of properties and persecution of innocent citizens. Yet today, the same Jammeh has the audacity to question the legality of commissions established under a constitutional and democratic government. This level of hypocrisy is staggering.

Mr. Jammeh’s attempt to dismiss the TRRC and the Janneh Commission as “unconstitutional” is not only legally untenable but intellectually dishonest. Under Section 200 of the 1997 Constitution, the President, acting in consultation with the National Assembly, is empowered to establish commissions of inquiry into matters of public concern. Both the TRRC and Janneh Commission were established in accordance with that constitutional provision. Their findings and recommendations are binding within the framework of national and international law governing truth, justice, and reparations.

If Yahya Jammeh truly believes in his innocence, he is free to return home—but he must be ready to face the law. His return cannot and will not be orchestrated through social media theatrics, half-baked legal arguments, or emotional appeals for sympathy. It must be formally handled through official diplomatic and governmental channels, in coordination between his host country, the Government of The Gambia, and competent legal and security institutions.

The Gambia is no longer Yahya Jammeh’s personal property. The era of impunity, intimidation, and manipulation is over. The Gambian people have moved on—guided by the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

The TRRC and Janneh Commission were never instruments of revenge; they were institutions of truth and national healing. The appropriate response for anyone found wanting by these bodies is not arrogance or denial, but humility and a sincere apology to the Gambian people.

Instead, Mr. Jammeh and his followers continue to insult the intelligence of the nation, attempting to rewrite history and undermine lawful institutions. Their latest letter, wrapped in pseudo-legal jargon, is nothing more than an effort to evade justice and destabilize a peaceful country.

Let it be clearly understood: Yahya Jammeh can return, but he must return to face justice. The Gambian people will not allow history to repeat itself. The rule of law is not negotiable, and accountability is not optional.

The Gambia deserves closure, not chaos; justice, not justification; and truth, not tyranny.

The rule of law shall prevail—now and always.

No One Above the Law: Setting the Record Straight on Jammeh’s Return

     

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

After reading the recent opinion by lawyer Malick H.B. Jallow, “Legal Implications of President Jammeh’s Anticipated Return,” has stirred public debate.  This article have serious legal and constitutional lapses that cannot be allowed to slide.  Therefore I must point out that  yes  Mr. Jallow is a respected human rights lawyer, but several of his arguments about former President Yahya Jammeh’s rights and privileges in his article are legally weak and misleading.

It is therefore important to clarify what the law actually says—because justice and truth cannot coexist with distortion.

The Right to Return Is Not Absolute

Every Gambian, including Yahya Jammeh, has the right to return home. That right, however, is not unlimited. The 1997 Constitution, under Section 25, allows freedom of movement to be restricted “in the interest of public order, morality, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”

If the return of a former leader accused of serious crimes threatens national security or public peace, the state has the legal authority to manage or delay that process. Suggesting that Jammeh can walk back into the country and reclaim full privileges as if nothing happened is a misreading of both law and logic.

Privileges Are Conditional, Not Automatic

Mr. Jallow claims Jammeh “is well within his rights to be afforded the full privileges of a former leader.” The Privileges of Former Presidents Act (2006) tells a different story. It allows those benefits to be withdrawn or suspended if the former president acts “in a manner unbecoming of the office” or is convicted of a criminal offence.

Moreover, Jammeh’s departure in 2017 was not a normal, lawful transfer of power. He refused to accept election results and left the country only after ECOWAS intervention. It is therefore debatable whether he qualifies, in the legal sense, as a former president who “vacated office lawfully.”

Privileges of state are earned by honourable conduct—not by holding the nation hostage.

Prosecution Is a Legal Duty, Not Political Theatre

Mr. Jallow suggests that threats to arrest Jammeh arise only for political reasons. That is not true. The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) found credible evidence linking Jammeh and his associates to extrajudicial killings, torture, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances.

Under the TRRC Act 2017, the government is legally bound to act on those findings. The Attorney General has a statutory duty—not a political choice—to pursue prosecution where the evidence warrants it. Ignoring such findings would be a betrayal of justice and a violation of the state’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Pursuing accountability is not political persecution—it is legal responsibility.

The TRRC Was Not a Court and Did Not Violate Fair Hearing

Mr. Jallow argues that the TRRC process violated Jammeh’s right to a fair hearing because he was not invited to respond to allegations. That argument fails on two grounds.

First, the TRRC was a truth-seeking body, not a court of law. It could not convict or sentence anyone. Its purpose was to uncover facts and recommend reforms, not to determine guilt. Second, Jammeh and his supporters were publicly invited multiple times to testify or send written responses. They refused.

One cannot refuse to participate in a national truth process and then claim to have been denied a hearing. When formal prosecution begins, Jammeh will have every right to defend himself before a competent court.

Immunity Does Not Cover Crimes Against Humanity

It is true that Section 69 of the Constitution provides some immunity to former presidents—but only for acts performed in official capacity. Torture, unlawful killings, and enforced disappearances are not official duties of a head of state; they are crimes.

International law, from the Pinochet ruling in the UK to the Charles Taylor trial in Sierra Leone, has consistently held that no former head of state can claim immunity for crimes against humanity. The same principle applies to The Gambia under customary international law.

Therefore, any attempt to shield Jammeh under the pretext of constitutional immunity is both legally and morally untenable.

Accountability and Dignity Can Coexist

On one point, I agree with Mr. Jallow: Jammeh’s dignity as a human being must be respected. Every accused person deserves fair treatment and due process. But dignity does not mean impunity.

Justice must protect both the accused and the victims. The TRRC gave voice to those who were silenced for decades. Their right to truth and justice cannot be sacrificed for political convenience or misplaced loyalty.

No One Above the Law

Yahya Jammeh, like any Gambian, is entitled to his rights—but not to privileges that shield him from accountability. The government’s responsibility is to uphold the law without fear or favour.  

We cannot build a new Gambia on selective justice. The TRRC process was a vital step toward healing and reform. Implementing its recommendations is not a vendetta—it is an act of national integrity.

The time has come for Gambians to stand firmly for justice, not personality cults. As a nation, we must ensure that the law serves the people, not the powerful. 

Thanks  in The  Services of The Gambia 

Yaya Dampha

 NPP Diaspora Coordinator, Sweden

Born in Jarra Jappineh, Lower River Region, The Gambia, Yaya Dampha is a journalist, human rights and political activist based in Sweden.