By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
Former Lead Counsel for the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) Lawyer Essa Mbye Faal qualified as an Independent Candidate for the upcoming December 4th 2021 Presidential Elections on November 6th 2021. Prior to taking up the role of Lead Counsel at the TRRC Mr Faal worked for the International Criminal Court.
Mr Faal was questioned by journalists on the day he deposited his Nomination Form to the Commission about significant assets he had in Senegal. On that occasion Mr Faal declined to answer journalists’ questions, however, public scrutiny was conducted on 6th November 2021 giving the general public a rare opportunity to view the Asset Declaration of Presidential Aspirants.
According to Mr Faal’s Asset Declaration, he has a combined wealth of over D1.42 billion. Mr Faal has properties (2 Lands, 3 Houses, 2 Farms and 2 Family Properties) worth a combined D308 million. Mr Faal also has five vehicles costing a combined D11 million. Mr Faal’s biggest assets are in his property and real estate business and his Senegalese bank account. In total, he has a combined D1.107 billion, which includes D2 million cash at hand.
Mr Faal’s biggest single asset is in Real Estate and Properties worth up to $15 million USD (D750 million at D50 per $1). It’s not clear if these properties are located in The Gambia or Senegal, however, Mr Faal maintains 100% ownership of Matrix Properties, another business valued at a staggering D250 million. Mr Faal’s biggest land investment in The Gambia is a plot of land in Sannementereng which is also valued at D250 million.
