Nyang Njie, a Gambian economist and political commentator, has defended himself in a statement clarifying his purchase of a vehicle linked to former President Yahya Jammeh’s looted assets.

Njie’s statement comes in response to an investigation by The Republic, which uncovered alleged corruption in the sale of Jammeh’s assets under the Barrow administration. The exposé claims that only $23 million has been recovered from an estimated $362 million allegedly looted by Jammeh during his 22-year rule, less than seven percent of the total.

In reaction, Njie explained that he acquired the vehicle through a private transaction with a third party who had purchased it at a public auction.

“I pleaded with the owner about my desire to purchase the car. The vehicle, a non-roadworthy asset requiring significant repairs and towing from a Kanifing garage, was bought at a fair market value, consistent with its condition at the time,”he said.

According to Njie, his decision to acquire the car was driven by its unique sentimental value, having been a 50th birthday gift from the former First Lady to ex-President Jammeh, rather than for any practical use.

“This symbolic acquisition served as personal closure, reflecting my resolve to reclaim agency in the aftermath of the unlawful demolition of my property in Batokunku by the former regime, for which no legal recourse has been pursued by the state to date,” he stated.

He emphasised that the transaction was strictly between two private citizens, was not facilitated by the state, and that the vehicle was neither purchased directly from the public auction nor intended for daily use.

Njie concluded by urging others who have acquired similar assets to step forward and provide clarification to clear their names.

By Adama Makasuba