Justice Minister Dawda Jallow of The Gambia has characterized former President Yahya Jammeh as a sought individual and stated that he is ineligible to benefit from the Thursday-passed legislation of the former president.
The introduction of a new measure by the Gambian government at the National Assembly is a significant development. This legislation amends the current Presidents Act by incorporating substantial financial provisions, such as lifetime pensions and gratuities, for former presidents and their spouses.

“In spite of the possibility that he is eligible to receive the benefits of this act, former President Jammeh remains a wanted individual in the Gambia.” The TRRC advises that prosecution be brought against him. It is acknowledged by the government that President Jammeh will face prosecution. Thus, it is indisputable that he was a former president; nevertheless, he is currently embroiled in a legal dispute, and until that dispute is resolved, his eligibility for benefits under this legislation will remain inactive. This is because, similar to any other individual, if you are under suspicion of committing a crime, you cannot be entitled to certain benefits. “Of course, no former president is excluded from the act’s application; that is the guiding principle,” the Minister of Justice replied in response to a query regarding whether Jammeh would gain anything from the legislation.

The legislation that was approved on Thursday would create an office for a former president that would remain in operation from the date of his or her resignation as president until the end of his or her term.

The government shall furnish and equip the office of a former president to the level of a cabinet within six months of the president’s departure from office. Additionally, the office must be staffed with a minimum of four personnel, which must include a personal assistant and personal secretary.