US Bars Entry of Ousted Gambia President, Family

By Dipo Olowookere

Former President of The Gambia, Mr Yahya Jammeh, will not be allowed to enter the United States of America (USA), the Department of State has said.

In a statement, it said the family of the ousted leader will also not be allowed entry into the Uncle Sam’s country.

It was explained that Mr Jammeh is getting this punishment for his alleged involvement in corruption while he was in power.

“The Department is publicly designating former president of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, under the terms of Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2018, due to his involvement in significant corruption. 

“Section 7031(c) provides that, in cases where the Secretary of State has credible information that foreign government officials have been involved in significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights, those individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States.

“The law requires the Secretary of State to publicly or privately designate such officials and their immediate family members. 

“In addition to the designation of Yahya Jammeh, the Department is also publicly designating Jammeh’s spouse, Zineb Yahya Jammeh, his daughter, Mariam Jammeh, and his son, Muhammad Yahya Jammeh,” the statement said.

It added that, “The United States is committed to combating corruption, increasing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and promoting good governance globally.” 

“The United States stands with the government of The Gambia, its people, and civil society in support of The Gambia’s transition towards greater transparency, accountability, and democratic governance, for the benefit of all Gambians,” the statement concluded.