The state funeral for Gambia’s vice president Dr Alieu Badara Joof has started this morning at the National Assembly complex in Banjul.

Joof’s casket was carried into the assembly hall by soldiers from the Gambian army and navy. 

President Barrow and his cabinet including senior government officials have gathered at the assembly to pay their respects.  

Barrow will lead the official eulogies at the lying in ceremony at the National Assembly. 

After the ceremony, the coffin will be transported to the Banjulinding Mosque for the Islamic funeral prayers before final internment at the local cemetery where the late Vice President Badara Alieu Joof will be laid to rest next to his mother’s grave.

The body of the former VP arrived in Banjul on Saturday from India where he died while receiving medical treatment last Wednesday. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba