Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Association of Victim-Led Organisations (AVLO) has welcomed a decision by the Swiss Federal Criminal Court to examine rape allegations in the appeal of Ousman Sonko, describing the development as a major step toward justice for survivors of abuses committed during the rule of Yahya Jammeh.
The court confirmed this week that it has jurisdiction to hear all aspects of the case, including allegations of sexual violence that were previously excluded during Sonko’s 2024 trial.
Reacting on behalf of victim-led groups, Fatou Baldeh, founder of Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL) and a member of AVLO, said the ruling could represent a turning point for survivors seeking recognition and accountability.
“The Swiss Appeal Court’s decision to assert jurisdiction over rape allegations against Ousman Sonko is a breakthrough for Jammeh-era survivors, opening the door to real accountability and justice,” she said.
During the initial proceedings, the court declined to examine certain rape allegations, ruling that they did not fall within its jurisdiction as crimes against humanity. However, the appeal judges have now agreed to assess whether such acts can be prosecuted under the principle of universal jurisdiction.
For many victims, advocates say, the shift carries significance beyond the legal technicalities of the case.
“Beyond the courtroom, the ruling signals to Gambian society and the international community that sexual violence is a central crime of authoritarian rule, deserving equal weight as torture or extrajudicial killings,” Baldeh added.
She also expressed hope that the decision would encourage more survivors to come forward.
“I truly hope that this also encourages victims who may have been hesitant to come forward to feel empowered, seeing that courts abroad are willing to hear their cases seriously,” she said.
The development has also been welcomed by international justice advocates. Didier Gbery, head of office in The Gambia for the International Center for Transitional Justice, said the earlier exclusion of sexual violence charges had raised concern among accountability groups.
“When the sentence was pronounced, while we welcomed the 20-year sentence, we were also disappointed that sexual violence cases were not taken into consideration. That sent a concerning message about addressing such violations,” he said.
Gbery described the appellate court’s latest decision as an important shift in the pursuit of justice.
“This is great news. It sends a strong message about how important it is to consider gender-based violations alongside other human rights crimes, and that these violations must be addressed equally,” he added.
He further noted that the development could have implications beyond the Swiss proceedings, particularly for The Gambia’s own transitional justice process.
“This should also serve as a learning process for the Gambian justice system, especially as the future hybrid court will need to address sexual violence. These violations must be properly documented and prosecuted,” he said.
Gbery also urged victims to come forward and support accountability efforts.
“It is also an opportunity to encourage victims to be strong and contribute to the process so that these violations are not left unaddressed.”
The appeal proceedings, currently underway in Bellinzona, are expected to move into their next phase in the coming weeks, when witnesses will be heard and the court begins examining the substance of the case against Sonko.
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