The Gambia’s Vice-President Badara Alieu Joof has died in India, President Adama Barrow announced.
He died after a brief illness, according to a tweet by the President of Gambia.
“Fellow #Gambians, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing away of my #VicePresident, His Excellency, Badara Alieu Joof. The sad event took place in India after a short illness. May Allah grant him Jannahtul Firdawsi,” President Barrow tweeted.
According to reports, Mr Joof has not been seen in public for months.
President Barrow picked him as vice-president after being re-elected in December 2021 for a second term.
Before assuming the position of vice president, Mr Joof previously served as Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology from 2017 to 2022.