In a dramatic turn of events at the Ousman Sonko trial, the plaintiffs’ counsel commenced her closing arguments by staunchly backing the Prosecutor’s case for convicting Sonko for crimes against humanity. The focus of her arguments was on supporting her clients, who were victims of atrocities in the years 2000 and 2006.

The counsel began by discussing the Gambian context between 1994 and 2016, highlighting the risks faced by anyone opposing or suspected of opposing the regime, including arbitrary arrests, torture, sexualized violence, disappearances, and extrajudicial executions. She emphasized that the security agencies of the Gambian state apparatus worked together in a well-coordinated manner, with Yahya Jammeh not acting alone.

The prosecution’s argument underscored the regime’s violations over the years, including the violent suppression of a student rally in 2000, the attempted assassination of a critical lawyer in 2003, the murder of a newspaper editor in 2004, and the killing of West African migrants in 2005.

Regarding the systematic nature of the attacks, it was highlighted that cooperation between different services was embedded in the dictatorship’s structure from the beginning. The persecution of journalists and media outlets, including government-owned newspapers, was cited as an example.

The counsel argued that Sonko, as a member of the inner circle of power around Jammeh, was aware of the regime’s gross human rights violations and crimes. Despite claiming to have learned of the crimes only through the TRRC or the present proceedings, Sonko was part of the regime from its inception until almost the end.

On the individual charges, the counsel discussed the murder of a State Guard member in 2000, emphasizing the credible information provided by witnesses and the plaintiff. She also addressed the charges of sexual violence against the widow of the deceased, highlighting the specific purpose behind Sonko’s actions.

The prosecution concluded that Sonko should be convicted of aggravated murder, aggravated deprivation of liberty, aggravated torture, and aggravated violation of sexual self-determination through rape as crimes against humanity.

The counsel urged the court to find Sonko guilty, to appropriately punish him, and to award reparations to the plaintiffs as compensation for the harm suffered.

The trial continues, with the defense expected to present its closing arguments in the coming days.