AA / Dakar / Alioune Nfiaye
The Gambian presidency announced on Wednesday the death of Alieu Badara Joof, vice-president of the Republic in office for less than a year.
Joof (66) is the 4th vice-president under the era of President Adama Barrow re-elected for a new five-year term at the head of the country in December 2021.
“His Excellency President Adama Barrow regrets to announce with deep shock and sadness the death of his Vice President (VP) Alieu Badara Joof. This sad event occurred in New Delhi, India early this morning,” the State House said in a statement without specifying the cause of death.
“In memory of the late VP Joof, President Barrow has declared a national mourning for 7 days, effective today January 18, 2023,” the statement noted, saluting the memory of a very serious, dedicated, competent and honest Gambian.
Before his arrival as vice-president in May 2022, Joof had held several positions of responsibility, including that of Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, recalled the Presidency of the Republic.
He had also been the World Bank’s director for West and Central Africa for more than a decade.
The date of the arrival of the remains has not yet been specified but arrangements have already been made for a state funeral.
“Upon his arrival, the body of the late VP will be laid in the National Assembly for a state burial. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date,” the State House said.
Only part of the dispatches, which Anadolu Agency broadcasts to its subscribers via the Internal Broadcasting System (HAS), is broadcast on the AA website, in a summarized manner. Please contact us to subscribe.
