Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – A coalition of victims of human-rights abuses under former President Yahya Jammeh on Monday urged Gambian and international authorities to block any return by Jammeh unless it is accompanied by full accountability, strong witness protections and independent oversight.
The Alliance of Victim-Led Organizations (AVLO) said a return that grants impunity would reverse years of progress in truth-telling, reparations, and national healing.
Representing “thousands of victims, survivors, and families” of unlawful killings, forced disappearances, torture, rape, and forced expulsions, AVLO said recent moves by Jammeh loyalists to facilitate his return pose “a severe threat” to victims and the transitional-justice gains made since his 22-year rule.
The group called directly on President Adama Barrow, the United Nations, the African Union, and ECOWAS not to endorse any arrangement that would shield Jammeh from prosecution.
“Peace cannot be built on impunity,” AVLO said, stressing that the government’s assertion, that every Gambian has the right to return but that that right does not confer immunity, is welcome only if followed by “robust, immediate, verifiable action.”
The victims’ group warned that without concrete safeguards, Jammeh’s return would risk reviving networks tied to past abuses, intimidating witnesses, and undermining public trust in the entire transitional-justice process.
AVLO noted that many who testified to the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), or who are preparing to testify, continue to face threats and intimidation from remnants of the former regime.
The organization said allowing Jammeh to return unconditionally would “send a painful message that our courage and suffering were in vain” and could derail ongoing investigations and reparations work.
The statement urged international partners and regional bodies to insist that any facilitation of Jammeh’s return be conditional on accountability measures including active investigations, transparency about any past deals, and international oversight — alongside credible witness-protection mechanisms. AVLO emphasized that true reconciliation must start with truth and justice, “not impunity.”
AVLO also reminded the government and partners of the significant time and resources already invested in truth-telling, reparations, and reform, warning that those investments would be wasted if those responsible for abuses were welcomed back without consequence.
