Some family members of former President Yahya Jammeh including his sister are at the risk of being homeless, as they have been asked by the government to vacate the houses giving to them by Jammeh before February 21 2020.
According to reports, the three-bedroom property in Sukuta Paradise Estate has been sold to one Sakung Fatty, who is reported to have served Jammeh’s younger sister Yama Jammeh an eviction noticed on Saturday.
However, the Jammeh family couldn’t tell if the notice was delivered by agents of the government or the new owner of the house.
Salim Bojang, 26, and a son Yama Jammeh said he was not only sad, but devastated upon seeing the eviction letter.
“I am speechless. I couldn’t believe what I am reading. We have been evicted from our own property. We have been living in this house for ten years now. The house was given to my mum by his brother Yahya Jammeh, the former President. I do not think it is fair to target Jammeh’s family on issues that they do not have ably knowledge about. This is a despicable move coming from the government,” he said.
Salim’s mum used to work for Jammeh. She was responsible for Jammeh’s house up-keeping. She is 4o years of age.
“This notice is rather too short. We had few days to relocate. As we speak, we do not have anywhere to live if we should move; we cannot also afford a six months advance fee for house rent. Even tenants are usually given three months’ notice to vacate after being thrown out. But in this case, we haven’t been given an enough notice to find a place to live,” he added.
Bojang works as a car dealer. He said he and his brother, who is a taxi driver, are helping their mum to put food on the table.
“We do not have anywhere to stay. This is the only house we had,” he said.
Five people are living in that three-bedroom apartment. One of them is Fatou Bintou Camara.
“My Aunty owns the house. The property was bought by the Kanilai Family Farm. It was given to her by Jammeh. I do not think it is fair to seize our house just because they had a problem with Jammeh,” she said.
Ms. Camara has called on President Barrow to look into the matter. She noted that if Jammeh’s family can be targeted for eviction, what would stop a successive government after Barrow’s era from not pursuing Barrow’s family.
“Our family is innocent. We have no hands in whatever they are alleging Jammeh,” she added.
Salim Bojang and Fatou Bintou Camara are appealing for public help. They said, they would appreciate any help that would save their family from being homeless.