First Lady And Family At Disneyworld: What Happened?

By Pa Nderry M’Bai

Email: panderrymbai@gmail.com 

Tel: 919-749-6319

For the past one month, the wife of  Gambia’s President Zeinab Suma Jammeh has been criss-crossing between Banjul, France, Morocco and the United States.  The First Lady is currently in Disneyworld, Orlando Florida,  with her two kids, and a sizeable entourage on vacation.  She first made a stopover in Washington DC, before proceeding to the Disneyworld. 

The Moroccan born First Lady is displeased with Mr. Jammeh’s recent move to marry a second wife.  She thought that the best way to nurse her disappointment is to spent time in expensive holiday suits, and parks such as the one in Disneyworld.  It has been reported that since June of 2010, the state had spent over one million dalasi on air tickets, hotel reservation, and food bills for the First Lady and her delegation. 

While the average Gambian cannot afford one decent meal a day, the First Lady is abusing the privileges accorded to her. She travels against her husband’s wishes.  She careless if Mr. Jammeh approves, or disapproves her unfinished overseas trips, said staffers of the Protocol team.  She compels President Jammeh to cater for her shopping spree, and other wasteful spending. These funds are not coming from Jammeh’s pocket. It is derived from Gambia’s ailing national coffers.

Insiders at  The Gambian Embassy in Washington DC said each time the First Lady visits the US, the Embassy is obliged to coordinate her excursions—including lodging and other financial expenses.  She slept in one of the best hotels and is accorded 24 hours Embassy services. Some of the embassy’s top officials are compelled to ignore their assigned responsibilities until  the First Lady returns to Banjul.

The Head of State, according to sources is experiencing strained relationship with the First Lady. Zeinab left Banjul immediately after the July 22^nd celebrations .  She avoids showing up in public functions with the President, even though in some occasions Mr. Jammeh would prevail on her to join him in gracing major state functions.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jammeh was spotted in Banjul with his new wife. The couple openly socialize  as the First Lady is holidaying in the US.  Kanilai sources said the second First lady was seen in Kanilai, where she spent some couple of nights. While at the Presidential villa, she cooked for the President. The pair were also seen walking around the Kanilai park.