By Kebba AF Touray
Alhagie Mamadi Kurang, former Secretary to the Janneh Commission, detailed what he described as interference, questionable decisions, and ethical lapses during the asset recovery process following the fall of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s special select committee investigating Jammeh’s assets on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Mr. Kurang presented a long list of concerns. These included the handling of luxury vehicles, the sale of tractors and livestock, and the overall management of the Commission’s work, which he said was influenced heavily by the Lead Counsel at the time, Amie Bensouda.
Tagging of Livestock and Suspension of Work
The hearing began with a question from Lead Counsel Lamin M. Dibba regarding the Commission’s livestock valuation exercise in Kanilai and Farato. Mr. Kurang said he was accompanied by his orderly Corporal Gassama, Head of Security Mr. Jallow and his team, and two representatives from the Department of Livestock.
He explained that the process in Kanilai and Farato was successful, but was abruptly stopped at Banjulinding following a phone call from the Lead Counsel.
“She said that we had to stand down all activities because, as stated in the order, the intervention of the High Court could be sought and at that moment she had spoken to the Attorney General and they had come to the conclusion that they had to invoke that clause,” Kurang recalled.
He said he immediately instructed his team to halt the operations. Emails documenting this were submitted and marked as exhibit AMK 11.
When asked whether it was normal for the Commission to consult the Attorney General on operational decisions, Kurang responded, “The communication that I would have preferred was for the Lead Counsel to tell me that she had discussed the matter with the Chairman or commissioners and we have agreed to forward the matter to the High Court.”
On Sale of Luxury Vehicles and Alleged Conflict of Interest
Kurang also addressed the attempted sale of luxury vehicles while the Commission’s investigation was ongoing. Reading from a written statement, he said: “I had earlier written to the Ministry of Finance under the direction of the commissioners, questioning why luxury vehicles were being listed for sale while the investigation of the commission was ongoing.”
He said he never received a formal reply, despite follow-up reminders and even a visit to the Ministry. “I was told by a Permanent Secretary that the Minister’s actions were under the direction or advice of Mrs. Bensouda, which I viewed as a conflict of interest.”
He further alleged: “I remember a day when Mrs. Bensouda mentioned in the commissioner’s office that an Arab businessman was prepared to pay a million dollars for Jammeh’s Rolls Royce.”
Kurang said that Lamin Camara, then Permanent Secretary at the Finance Ministry, confirmed that the Minister “was getting that advice from the Lead Counsel of the commission.”
Tractor Sales and Auction Process
Lead Counsel Dibba pressed Mr. Kurang on the sale of tractors. Kurang said that the Commission had obtained an interim order authorizing the sale and that Karabulie Jammeh was contracted to conduct the auction. “The commission finally agreed to pay him D500 for each item,” he said.
When asked whether Jammeh was a licensed auctioneer, Kurang said: “The commissioner asked questions and I think they were satisfied with him, but I don’t remember seeing his physical license or certification.”
He maintained that the auction process was open to the public, with prior announcements made. “Where you are the successful bidder we ask you to give us your full name officially. I made sure that myself, because when I am writing the receipts, I want to make sure I get your accurate full name,” he said.
He cited Jah Oil as a participant that paid D1.2 million by cheque for a tractor.
When asked whether commission members were allowed to buy tractors, Kurang said: “Yes… if the same person is prepared to go by the process, as a member of the public and to play to the tune of auction, in his or her personal capacity, and happens to be the highest bidder.”
However, he emphasized: “I would never recommend for the Secretary as a buyer, or anyone who could reasonably have an inside knowledge of the tractor.”
Petition Against the Lead Counsel
Kurang also referenced a petition he submitted against the Lead Counsel, which he said was prompted by her persistent interference.
“The pattern was in no interest of public good, and I felt that as someone who had an inside knowledge, I have a responsibility to make people aware of the big picture and I did not see anyone to put that blame on other than the Lead Counsel. So, I decided to write a petition against the Lead Counsel,” he testified.
He accused the Lead Counsel of double standards, particularly on the issue of livestock. “After the sale of assets was transferred to the Sheriff, the sale of livestock was done but not successful… I was shocked the manner it was handled and the intervention of the Lead Counsel in taking it to court and transferring it to the Sheriff.”
He added: “Had it yielded the desired result, there would be no dispute.”
On the Tractors Deal with India
Kurang said the tractors originated from an agreement between the governments of The Gambia and India, totaling $6 million. “This amount was guaranteed by the government to be paid later and I have also seen some government associations such as SSHFC making some payments.”
He recalled that some of the tractors had already been sold to companies affiliated with Jammeh, such as KGI, before the ex-president left office.
Upon assuming office, he said the vehicle control unit at the State House was responsible for identifying, locating, and seizing the tractors, which were stored in police stations across the country. “We sold a total 43 tractors,” he said, noting that not all were sold because some were returned to communities who proved ownership with receipts.
Budget Interference and Final Days
Kurang further accused the Lead Counsel of interfering with the Commission’s budget. “When it was suggested for the commission to manage its own budget, you [Lead Counsel] were the first to object on the grounds that was not proper.”
He criticized what he called “wasteful foreign trips” organized at her discretion, even while commission staff salaries remained unpaid.
He added: “She was a counsel but not an administrator. I think that was too much interference.”
Kurang also testified that the Lead Counsel once asked him about acquiring a tractor for her son. “With the tractors, I felt that the Lead Counsel had an interest… not to own or drive it but she approached me and told me she wanted a tractor for her son.”
Reflecting on the end of his tenure, Kurang said: “These were events I knew the end is near. The following day I heard the AG said in a press conference that my position was untenable, and three days later my dismissal letter came.”
He described his final act as Secretary: “The handing over was done in the presence of two police officers, my orderly, and the Commander of the PIU. So, I think on the 20th I left the office after handing over, with no pending issues. I said goodbye and I left.”
