Exiled strongman Jammeh ‘plundered’ Gambian coffers
Aide to President Adama Barrow says the country is in financial distress after the exiled strongman 'stole millions of dollars in his final weeks in power'
Banjul, Gambia — Gambia’s exiled strongman Yahya Jammeh plundered millions of dollars in his final weeks in power leaving state coffers "empty", an aide to new President Adama Barrow said as West African troops prepared to secure his arrival. Jammeh flew out of The Gambia on Saturday, ending 22 years at the helm of the small West African nation, and headed for Equatorial Guinea where he is expected to settle with his family. A West African military force entered The Gambia on Sunday — greeted by cheers from relieved residents — to provide security and allow Barrow, who has been in neighbouring Senegal for more than a week, to return and take power. But amid growing controversy over the assurances offered to Jammeh to guarantee his departure, Barrow aide Mai Fatty said the new administration had discovered that about $11m had recently been stolen.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.