Ousman Madikay Faal, Secretary General and Party Leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has indicated the party is considering imminent legal action against the government regarding its seized assets. The PPP is actively consulting its legal team and reviewing its options, according to Mr. Faal, with legal action described as imminent should the current impasse continue. This potential legal challenge stems from the government's perceived failure to respond to repeated requests for the recovery of party assets that were originally seized during the administration of former president Yahya Jammeh.
"The PPP has therefore reached a point where it must seriously consider whether the continued failure to respond amounts to an effective continuation of the unlawful deprivation of our assets," Mr. Faal stated, showing the party's growing frustration. He added, "This is not merely about property. It is about justice, the rule of law, and the restoration of rights unlawfully denied." Mr. Faal emphasized the party's determination to pursue every available avenue: "We are determined not only to recover our assets but also to restore the PPP to its rightful place as a strong national political force, capable of contributing fully to the nation's democratic processes."
Party's Efforts to Recover Assets
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) established an Asset Recovery Committee tasked with identifying, verifying, and documenting properties confiscated during a period of political repression under the former regime. This committee undertook a careful and full audit of party holdings, meticulously documenting each item and its history. Following its diligent work, the committee subsequently submitted its detailed findings and recommendations to the PPP leadership. Among the assets traced and definitively confirmed as belonging to the party by the committee was the property located at 21 Leman Street. These assets, which include key party infrastructure and financial resources, were systematically seized under former president Yahya Jammeh's administration, severely crippling the party's operations. The party's concerted efforts aim to reclaim these properties as part of its broader strategy to re-establish its operational capacity and resume its full political functions. XL Standard Co. Ltd. Which publishes and prints The Standard Newspaper, is located at Kairaba Avenue, Fajara.
Government's Lack of Response
The People's Progressive Party (PPP) is pursuing legal action due to the government's perceived failure to respond to repeated requests concerning the recovery of party assets. These assets were originally seized during the administration of former president Yahya Jammeh, a period marked by significant political repression and the arbitrary confiscation of property from opposition figures and parties. The party, through its legal counsel, Lawyer Segga Gaye, has formally addressed the Ministry of Justice regarding this critical matter on multiple occasions. Lawyer Gaye has sent written communications to the Ministry on two separate occasions, clearly outlining the party's claims, providing supporting documentation, and detailing its specific requests for the return of the confiscated properties. Despite these formal and well-documented overtures, the PPP has indicated that it has yet to receive any satisfactory reply or substantive response from the Ministry of Justice concerning these communications. This prolonged lack of official engagement and the absence of a meaningful dialogue from the government has prompted the PPP to consider judicial avenues for asset recovery as a necessary and final resort. For inquiries related to The Standard Newspaper, its telephone numbers are +220 7452126 and +220 7081234.
Rationale and Next Steps
Ousman Madikay Faal, Secretary General and Party Leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), stated that the recovery of the party's assets seized during the administration of former president Yahya Jammeh remains a critical priority for the organization. "The issue of PPP assets seized during the Jammeh era remains one of the most important matters before the party, directly impacting our ability to serve the Gambian people," Mr. Faal said, noting the strategic importance of these properties. He emphasized that the party's capacity to fully rebuild and effectively participate in the political landscape is severely hampered while its assets are not restored. The PPP leadership firmly believes that the party cannot effectively conduct its activities, mobilize its members, or meaningfully contribute as a vibrant political force without access to its rightful properties and resources. This ongoing situation, characterized by the continued deprivation of its assets and the government's unresponsiveness, is a primary driver behind the party's decision to explore legal avenues, asserting its rights through the judicial system. The party is committed to exhaust all legal means to ensure justice and the restoration of its properties.
