National Assembly Approves Extension for Special Select Committee to Finalize Report

By Fatou Sillah

The National Assembly on Monday approved an extension of time for the Special Select Committee investigating the sale and disposal of assets belonging to former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh.

The approval followed a motion moved by Suwaibou Touray, a member of the committee, on behalf of its chairperson. Citing Section 109(2) of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, as well as Orders 53 and 95(5) of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, Touray formally requested additional time for the committee to complete its work.

“I rise to move that this august Assembly do consider and approve an extension of time for the Special Select Committee established to inquire into the sale and disposal of the assets identified by the Commission of Inquiry into the financial activities of public bodies, enterprises, and offices in relation to former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh and connected matters, for the purpose of report writing and finalization,” he said.

Touray informed lawmakers that the committee had concluded witness hearings and examined a substantial volume of documentation. However, he noted that additional time was required to verify evidence and ensure the accuracy and coherence of the committee’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

He emphasized that the extension would not result in the reopening of the inquiry or the introduction of new witnesses, except where such individuals are directly connected to evidence already on record.

“No new witnesses will be called unless they are connected to earlier evidence that was adduced,” he said.

The committee was initially scheduled to table its report before the Assembly on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.

It therefore sought the Assembly’s approval for an extension of time to allow the report to be submitted on or before the next Ordinary Session, with the extension taking effect from 16 December 2025.

Under the approved extension, the committee is authorized to request additional documentation, seek clarifications, and, where necessary, invite persons previously examined or those directly connected to evidence already on record. The committee will also retain all powers granted under the original motion establishing it until the expiration of the extended period.

The motion further affirms that the extended authority shall not reopen, expand, or otherwise extend the substantive inquiry but shall be exercised solely for purposes of verification, ensuring internal consistency, and the proper presentation of the committee’s findings and recommendations.

In addition, the committee was directed to submit its final report to the Office of the Clerk on or before 31 January 2026, for tabling before the National Assembly at its next Ordinary Session.