Momodou Sabally, who recently tendered his resignation from the United Democratic Party (UDP) and joined the ruling National Peoples Party (NPP), is legally barred from holding any public office in The Gambia for the remainder of his life.

According to the Janneh Commission, “the Government accepts the Commission’s recommendation that Mr Momodou Sabally should not serve in any public office again or be appointed as Director for any State Owned Enterprise for at least ten years. Mr Momodou Sabally is hereby banned from holding public office for the remainder of his life. He is also banned from holding any director positions in any State Owned Enterprises in The Gambia for ten (10) years.”

The Commission said at the time that “both bans are effective from the date of publication of this White Paper”.

The Commission found, inter alia, that during Sabally’s tenure as Secretary General, he was signatory to various public accounts and was involved in the withdrawal of large sums of public funds, some of which were not accounted for, on the instructions of former President Jammeh. The Commission found that “Mr Momodou Sabally and former President Jammeh are jointly and severally liable for the said amounts of money misappropriated” by former President Jammeh.

The Government notes that Mr Sabally’s “many involvements in the financial transactions of former President Jammeh”, which was not part of his official duties, especially as Secretary General, demonstrates the enthusiasm with which he facilitated these transactions. His conduct fell far short of the standard of professional conduct expected of the Head of the Civil Service at the time.

It added that the monies shall be recovered from the assets of former President Jammeh.

Mr Sabally started at the Central Bank as an Economist from 1999 to 2009. He was Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance from 2010 to 2013. He was appointed as Acting Secretary General in June 2013 and then subsequently confirmed as Secretary General and Minister for Presidential Affairs in the same year. His service was terminated in June 2014.

However, it is reported that among the terms and conditions Sabally discussed with President Barrow, is to lift his ban.

Meanwhile, Sabally has been appointed deputy Director General of Sahel-Saharan Bank for Investment (BSIC) after joining NPP.