The director of the Gambia Livestock Management Agency (GILMA) is expected to appear before a parliamentary inquiry on Tuesday, after previously failing to attend a scheduled hearing.

Momodou Darboe had been due to testify last week before the National Assembly committee investigating the sale and disposal of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh.

However, he did not attend the session.

The committee said GILMA had received the summons but failed to distinguish between two separate letters,  one for a statement-taking session, and another for the public hearing.

Mr Darboe has since apologised to the committee, which has accepted the explanation.

Committee chairperson Abdoulie Ceesay said Mr Darboe had now provided a preliminary statement and would appear before the committee on Tuesday.

He warned that the committee would not tolerate further absences or confusion, stressing the importance of respecting the process.

“This is a serious matter,” Mr Ceesay said. “Any future failure to appear without just cause will be dealt with in line with the law and parliamentary procedures.”

The inquiry continues as lawmakers examine how assets linked to the former president were handled following his departure from office in 2017.

By Adama Makasuba