Gambia Bar Association Welcomes ECOWAS-Backed Special Tribunal for Justice and Accountability

Neneh MC Cham

Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) has commended the decision by the Authority of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to establish a Special Tribunal in The Gambia. The announcement was made during the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS, marking a significant milestone in The Gambia’s transitional justice process.

In a statement, the GBA extended its congratulations to ECOWAS, the Government of The Gambia, the ECOWAS-GAMBIA Joint Technical Committee, and various stakeholders for their unwavering support in achieving this landmark development.

The Association highlighted its role, alongside Civil Society and Victim Associations, as a staunch advocate for a hybrid court to address domestic and atrocity crimes, including torture, enforced disappearances, crimes against humanity, and sexual and gender-based violence perpetrated between July 1994 and January 2017.

The GBA praised the Ministry of Justice for adopting a collaborative and inclusive approach in the tribunal’s establishment process. The Ministry worked closely with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including the GBA, Victim Associations, Civil Society, the Judiciary, ECOWAS representatives, the National Assembly, and international experts in international criminal law.

The decision to establish an ECOWAS-backed tribunal in The Gambia reflects the unwavering commitment of ECOWAS and the Government of The Gambia to ensuring accountability and justice for the region’s citizens,” the GBA noted. “This is a significant step toward delivering justice to the victims of grave human rights violations.”

The GBA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the tribunal’s establishment and operationalization as part of its mission to uphold the rule of law and human rights, as outlined in its Constitution.

The Association recognized the challenges victims of human rights abuses face on their journey to justice, describing it as a long but essential path toward national healing, reconciliation, and closure.

This tribunal is expected to serve as a critical mechanism for addressing past injustices while reinforcing The Gambia’s pledge to uphold international legal standards in pursuing justice for victims.

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