Gambians speculate on Jammeh's wealth after he flies into exile

After Gambia’s longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh left the country on Saturday, President -elect Adama Barrow said on Sunday that the former president had looted state resources.

A claim supported by his adviser who told journalists that Jammeh withdrew $11 million dollars while a cargo plane appeared to ferry luxury goods belonging to the former leader.

“We are told it contains lots of luxury goods, lots of expensive vehicles and other stuff. What we have done today… We understand that these luxury goods, transport, cars and others, have not been, fully, all of them have not been transported, there are still some who are at the airport. We have directed that whatever is at the airport will stay,” said Mai Ahmad Fatty, Adviser to President Adama Barrow.

The UN, African Union (AU)and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have already issued a statement promising to protect Jammeh’s rights as a citizen, party leader and former Head of State.

They also gave assurances that his “lawful” assets will not be seized.

Meanwhile in Gambia’s capital Banjul, residents were left speculating over just how much wealth did Jammeh amass during his 22 year reign.

“Jammeh has gone with a lot of money so right now Gambians we are poor, right now, nothing is inside here. So he loot all our money, everything, you know. I’m in this for 22 years, dictatorship, nobody will say nothing nothing. You can’t even say… You have to look everywhere before you can talk,” said Salba Jagne a resident in Banjul.

While a spokesperson for president Adama Barrow said on Monday the the Gambia’s central bank’s deposits are intact, it remains unclear whether Barrow and his adviser were referring to the Central Bank’s funds or other state resources.