The United States has transferred $2.5 million to the Gambian government from the proceeds of a mansion linked to former President Yahya Jammeh.

The funds were generated from the sale of a luxury property in Maryland that was seized by US authorities as part of efforts to recover assets allegedly acquired through illicit means during Jammeh’s time in office.

The transfer forms part of ongoing international efforts to return assets connected to the former Gambian leader, who ruled the country for more than two decades before leaving office in 2017.

Gambian authorities welcomed the return of the funds, describing it as a significant step in the country’s asset recovery programme and broader efforts to promote accountability and transparency.

Officials said the recovered money would be directed toward projects and initiatives intended to benefit the Gambian people.

The development follows years of investigations into assets linked to Jammeh in various countries after allegations that large sums of public funds were misappropriated during his administration.

The former president has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, but authorities in several jurisdictions have pursued investigations and recovery efforts involving properties and financial assets associated with him.

The return of the funds is expected to strengthen cooperation between the United States and The Gambia in combating corruption and recovering assets believed to have been unlawfully acquired.

Government officials said efforts would continue to identify, recover and repatriate additional assets linked to former public officials where evidence supports such action.