For over two decades, Yahya Jammeh ruled Gambia, a small West African nation renowned for its serene beaches and tranquillity. Yet, beneath the surface of this idyllic destination lay a regime defined by tyranny, greed, and corruption.
Ascending to power through a 1994 coup d’état, Jammeh quickly transitioned into a dictator infamous for human rights abuses and a series of brutal crackdowns on dissent. His eccentricities captured international attention, from his self-proclaimed five titles to outlandish claims of curing AIDS. However, it was his covert financial dealings that left the most indelible mark on the nation.
A lavish lifestyle
Jammeh lived extravagantly, flaunting wealth that seemed unimaginable for the leader of a developing country. His private estate in his home village boasted exotic animals, a military training camp, and a fleet of luxury vehicles, including a stretch Hummer. His travels were conducted in private jets, underscoring his taste for opulence.
While these displays of wealth were public, the true extent of Jammeh’s financial exploits remained hidden for years. Now, a groundbreaking investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has uncovered the full scale of the plunder.
The scale of corruption
Documents, including government correspondence, contracts, bank records, and legal files, reveal how Jammeh and his associates looted nearly $1 billion from Gambia’s resources and public funds. The former president’s inner circle, comprising powerful allies and international partners, was instrumental in this systematic theft.
One of Jammeh’s most profitable ventures involved the state-run telecommunications company. Partnering with Lebanese businessman Mohamed Bazzi—linked to the Hezbollah militant group—Jammeh facilitated the looting of $364 million. Another lucrative scheme involved Romanian businessmen Nicolae and Dragos Buzaianu, who helped Jammeh secure $325.5 million through illicit timber exports.
Jammeh’s cunning extended to playing global powers against one another. He manipulated diplomatic relationships with China and Taiwan, extracting over $100 million in bilateral aid. These funds, meant to benefit the Gambian people, were instead funnelled into personal accounts or squandered on extravagances.
The pension fund scandal
Perhaps the most egregious act of theft was the looting of Gambia’s pension fund. Jammeh stole $60 million meant to support retirees, leaving countless Gambians destitute. This act symbolised the devastating impact of his corruption on ordinary citizens, who bore the brunt of his greed.
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The web of power
Jammeh’s ability to maintain control was bolstered by a network of loyalists and enablers. His inner circle not only consolidated his grip on power but also facilitated the smooth operation of his schemes. Foreign businessmen eager to capitalise on Gambia’s resources were welcomed with open arms, provided they paid their dues to the regime.
The international nature of Jammeh’s partnerships highlights the global dimensions of his corruption. His dealings with figures like Bazzi and the Buzaianu brothers illustrate how foreign actors played a pivotal role in enabling his plunder.
A legacy of impunity
Despite the overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing, Jammeh has never been charged with a crime. Exiled in Equatorial Guinea since 2017, he remains beyond the reach of justice. Efforts to hold him accountable have faced significant political and logistical challenges, leaving many Gambians without closure.
The Gambian people’s loss
The impact of Jammeh’s corruption on Gambia is profound. A country with limited resources was robbed of nearly $1 billion, funds that could have transformed healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Instead, these resources fuelled the extravagance of a dictator and his cronies.
The revelations serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and corruption. They also underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, especially in nations vulnerable to exploitation.
As Gambians continue to rebuild their nation, the scars of Jammeh’s rule remain. While justice may be elusive, the truth is now undeniable: Yahya Jammeh orchestrated one of the most egregious thefts in modern African history, leaving behind a legacy of betrayal and devastation.
