Gambiaj.com – (GENEVA, Switzerland) – Bernard Duhaime, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence, has welcomed the decision of ECOWAS to establish a Special Tribunal for The Gambia, describing it as a historic move towards justice and accountability for victims of the Yahya Jammeh regime.
The tribunal, approved on December 15, 2024, by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is designed to prosecute crimes against humanity, torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and other serious violations committed during Jammeh’s rule from July 1994 to January 2017.
“It is a historic step towards accountability and bringing justice to victims thereby ensuring that the crimes of the past do not go unpunished,” Duhaime said.
The creation of the tribunal follows recommendations by The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which identified Jammeh and 68 former officials as allegedly responsible for various atrocities, including rape and torture. The hybrid court will have the authority to prosecute international crimes, even those not recognized under Gambian law at the time of their commission.
“After two decades of authoritarian rule, some transitional justice measures were taken but progress in implementing the recommendations of the national truth commission has been slow, and concerns about the persistent climate of impunity have been raised,” Duhaime said.
He commended the Gambian government for its commitment to the tribunal, calling it a renewed hope for victims and a strengthening of justice and accountability in the country.
“I welcome the commitment of the Government of The Gambia for the creation of a special mechanism to put an end to impunity and provide redress to victims,” Duhaime stated. “The decision to establish a hybrid court offers renewed hope to victims and strengthens the broader pursuit of justice and accountability.”
Beyond judicial accountability, Duhaime urged the government to prioritize other measures, such as reparations, memorialization, and official apologies, to foster reconciliation and long-term peace.
“These efforts are essential to fostering long-term peace, stability and national reconciliation,” he added.
The tribunal’s establishment marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s pursuit of justice, offering victims a long-awaited opportunity for redress and accountability.
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