Jan. 19 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, has declared this Wednesday seven days of mourning after the death of Vice President Badara Alieu Joof, who died in India.
The Gambian Presidency has indicated that official mourning involves flying the national flag at half mast, signing a book of condolences and praying, according to a statement.
However, “it should not be misinterpreted as a holiday or absenteeism from work”, since all public institutions and schools remain open.
Hours earlier, Barrow, who described his vice president as a “scholar with deep intellect”, expressed his “deep shock and sadness”, transferring “his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the Gambian nation and the residents”.
He also reported that the mortal remains will be exposed in the National Assembly after their arrival from India, where a state funeral will be held, without giving details about it.
Until his appointment as vice president on May 4, 2022, Joof served in various positions, including education minister and permanent secretary in various government ministries, the presidential office reports.
He also served as the World Bank’s director for West and Central Africa for more than a decade, a position he would resign to take over as Cabinet in the new political dispensation.
