Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow on Friday presided over the swearing-in of Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett in what is being viewed as a major step toward prosecuting crimes committed during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.
The ceremony, held at State House, marked a significant milestone in The Gambia’s transitional justice process and reinforced the government’s stated commitment to accountability for alleged human rights violations committed under Jammeh’s 22-year rule.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor is expected to spearhead investigations and prosecutions linked to atrocities documented during the country’s truth and reconciliation process, including alleged killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and other grave abuses attributed to state agents and the feared Junglers paramilitary unit.
Addressing officials and guests at the swearing-in ceremony, President Barrow said the establishment of the office was the result of years of pressure and resilience from Gambians demanding justice.
“We are restoring truth in our institutions and ensuring that heartless crimes and violations of human rights are never repeated,” Barrow declared.
The President stressed that the Office of the Special Prosecutor would be central to enforcing accountability by investigating crimes referred for prosecution and ensuring perpetrators are brought before the law.
He further assured Gambians that the office would operate independently and that prosecutorial decisions would be based strictly on credible and valid evidence.
The appointment of Hackett is widely seen as one of the clearest signals yet that The Gambia is entering the implementation phase of post-TRRC accountability measures after years of debate over whether those implicated in Jammeh-era abuses would ultimately face trial.
In his remarks after taking the oath, Hackett acknowledged the weight of the task before him, describing the assignment as one of historic national importance.
“This is a responsibility I accept with utmost seriousness, fully aware of its historic importance to The Gambia,” he said.
He also sought to reassure victims and survivors who have long awaited prosecutions that their pursuit of justice remains at the center of the process.
“To victims, survivors, and communities who have waited years for truth, justice, and accountability, you are not forgotten,” Hackett stated.
The Special Prosecutor added that The Gambia’s accountability process was becoming an important precedent both within Africa and internationally, as countries continue to grapple with how to address past state crimes and authoritarian abuses through legal means rather than political settlements.
Hackett pledged to execute his mandate with “independence, integrity, and respect for the people of The Gambia.”
The swearing-in comes amid growing expectations from victims’ groups and civil society organizations that prosecutions connected to the Jammeh era will now begin to move from promises into concrete legal action.
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