Following the passing of Vice President Badara Alieu Joof in India on Wednesday, Gambian President Adama Barrow proclaimed seven days of national mourning.
The national flag must be flown at half-staff, people must sign a book of condolences, and prayers are required, according to a statement from the Gambian presidency.
All government offices and schools are still open, so “it should not be misconstrued as a public holiday or absence from work.”
Hours earlier, Barrow expressed his “great shock and sadness” and offered his “heartfelt condolences to the family of the dead, the Gambian nation and citizens,” describing his vice president as a “scholar of profound intelligence.”
Without providing any further information, he further stated that after his arrival from India, the body remains will be displayed at the National Assembly, where a state funeral would be held.
According to the presidential office, Joof held a number of positions before being named vice president on May 4, 2022, including minister of education and permanent secretary in multiple government ministries.
Additionally, he held the role of director for West and Central Africa at the World Bank for more than ten years before resigning to take the Cabinet position under the new political regime.