The EF Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has withdrawn its endorsement of Abubacarr M. Tambadou’s nomination for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), citing allegations of corruption linked to the sale of assets confiscated from former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh.
Initially backed in February 2025 for his role in The Gambia’s transitional justice and legal reform efforts, Tambadou’s candidacy now faces scrutiny following the release of an investigative report by The Republic titled “The Assets of Gambia’s Former Dictator Go for a Song.” The report alleges Tambadou was involved in irregularities during the auctioning of Jammeh’s seized properties, including abuse of office and unethical conduct.
In its statement, EFSCRJ described the findings as alarming and said their decision to revoke support stems from a commitment to transparency. The center also criticized Tambadou’s May 3 response to the allegations, calling it inadequate and evasive.
EFSCRJ is now demanding a full investigation and has urged several actions:
A presidential inquiry under Section 200(d) of the Constitution
A parliamentary probe under Section 109(2)
Full public disclosure of the asset sale report and oversight committee records
A financial accounting of the revenue from the sales by the Minister of Finance
Additionally, the group plans to submit a formal information request under The Gambia’s Access to Information Act, 2021. The organization praised The Republic for its in-depth reporting and reiterated its stance against impunity in public service.
Tambadou, a former Justice Minister, continues to deny any wrongdoing.
