The Gambia will distribute $2.5 million from the sale of a former leader's US mansion to victims of his regime.
The government of The Gambia plans to help victims of former ruler Yahya Jammeh. They will use funds earned from the sale of his Maryland mansion.
The Gambia Reparations Commission recently confirmed the receipt of over $2.5 million. This money came from the US government after the property sale.
Meanwhile, the US government seized the home in 2022. Officials proved that Jammeh bought the house using stolen public money.
Also, the commission promised to manage these funds with total honesty. They will focus on the needs of survivors and victim families.
Furthermore, Jammeh ruled the country for over two decades. He took control after a military coup in 1994.
Later, he lost the 2016 election to Adama Barrow. Although he initially accepted the loss, he soon changed his mind.
As a result, regional troops threatened to remove him from power. He finally stepped down in 2017 and fled to Equatorial Guinea.
After that, investigators uncovered massive corruption. They found that Jammeh controlled over 100 bank accounts and hundreds of properties.
Still, reports show he likely stole more than $300 million during his time in office. His official salary could not support such wealth.
Finally, the former leader faces many serious accusations. These include torture, rape, and the murder of political opponents.
Indeed, a national inquiry linked his regime to the deaths of roughly 250 people. The government now seeks to provide some justice for these abuses.