JAMMEH, FAMILY BANNED FROM ENTERING U.S

The State Department has announced it has banned former President Yahya Jammeh and his family from entering the United States of America. A statement from the Department explained that this is in accordance with Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2018, and it is due to Jammeh’s involvement in significant corruption. According to the statement, 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 added. The release concluded 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,” it said.]]>