Madi Jobarteh demands transparency in The Gambia

Human rights advocate Madi Jobarteh is calling for increased government transparency and accountability in The Gambia regarding two major issues: the Local Government Commission of Inquiry and the management of former President Yahya Jammeh’s seized assets.

Regarding the Local Government Commission, Jobarteh has urged citizens to demand the immediate publication of the commission’s full report and the government’s corresponding White Paper. Although the report was submitted to President Adama Barrow in May 2026 and a release was promised by August, the documents remain unpublished. Jobarteh expressed concern that the inquiry, which cost over D150 million, may have been used to selectively target specific local leaders rather than serve as a genuine fact-finding mission.

Separately, Jobarteh is urging the public to scrutinize the disposal of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh. Following findings from a National Assembly Special Select Committee, he emphasized that safeguarding public resources is a collective responsibility. He has announced plans to petition the National Assembly to ensure a formal response is provided to the public regarding the management of these assets.