Kanishka Sharma

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday that it had obtained the forfeiture of a Maryland home purchased by Yahya Jammeh in exchange for $3.5 million in alleged corrupt proceeds. This trust was set up by Jammeh’s wife.

Jammeh overthrew the government of this tiny West African nation by a coup in 1994. After losing the 2016 presidential election, Jammeh was expelled and fled Equatorial Guinea. He denies any wrongdoing.

The Justice Department stated that a court-ordered judgement and an order of forfeiture was issued on Tuesday. According to the Justice Department, this judgment is the result of an American civil forfeiture lawsuit filed in 2020. The complaint sought forfeiture of Maryland property.

Gambia’s government said Wednesday that it had accepted the recommendation of a truth-and reconciliation commission to have Jammeh prosecuted in connection with killings and other crimes he committed while in office.

According to the United States, Jammeh was accused of corruptly obtaining millions of dollars by misappropriating public funds and soliciting bribes for businesses seeking monopoly rights in various segments of the Gambian economy.

The Justice Department announced on Thursday that “The United States will sell the property” and would recommend to the Attorney general that any net proceeds be donated to The Gambia for the benefit of those affected by the corruption and abuses of former President Jammeh.