Politics & Government

African President Reportedly Purchases Potomac Home

President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia is claimed to have purchased a home on Bentcross Drive in Potomac for $3.5 million.

We all know that Potomac, MD is home to some noteworthy names. Now that list may include a sitting African leader, President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia.

Jemmeh purchased a home on Bentcross Drive in Potomac for $3.5 million in September, according to several African publications including the Senegambia News, Gainako News, as well as the Maryland Daily Record.

Calls to the U.S. Department of State and the Gambian Embassy were not returned Monday.

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Maryland tax records show that the Bentcross Drive home was sold by former Washington Wizards player Calbert Cheaney to trustees of the "My J Family Trust" on Sept. 29, 2011. The Senegambia News and other reports claim to have discovered a connection between the "My J Family Trust" and the Jemmeh family.

The United States maintains an embassy in Gambia, though U.S.-relations have been strained over the years due to human rights and freedom of press shortcomings, according to the state department website. With an annual per capita income of less than $300 and a GDP of $389 million, Gambia ranks among the world’s poorest countries.

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