The Gambia will compensate victims of former leader Yahya Jammeh using funds from his seized U.S. mansion.
The government of The Gambia plans to compensate victims of former leader Yahya Jammeh. They will use money gained from the sale of his mansion in the United States.
The Gambia Reparations Commission recently announced the receipt of over $2.5 million. This money came from the sale of the Maryland property.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government seized this home back in 2022. Officials argued that Jammeh bought the house using stolen public funds.
Jammeh ruled The Gambia for over two decades. He took power during a 1994 coup and stayed in control for many years.
However, his rule faced many accusations of human rights abuses. These included forced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Also, the commission promised to handle the money with care. They want to ensure transparency for all victims and survivors of the regime.
Jammeh lost a national election in 2016. He eventually left office in 2017 after heavy pressure from international leaders and regional troops.
Next, the former leader moved to Equatorial Guinea. Investigators later discovered he owned hundreds of properties and bank accounts.
In fact, experts believe he stole more than $300 million during his time in power. His official salary could never explain such massive wealth.
Finally, a national inquiry linked his government to hundreds of deaths. State agents allegedly killed between 240 and 250 people during his long tenure.