Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Former military junta member and ex-Minister of Local Government under Yahya Jammeh’s regime, Yankuba Touray, arrived at The Gambia’s Supreme Court this morning to hear the much-anticipated ruling on his appeal against a 2021 conviction and death sentence. The ruling will determine whether Touray’s conviction for the 1995 murder of former Finance Minister Ousman Koro Ceesay will stand or be subject to review.

Touray was found guilty in July 2021 by the High Court for his role in the brutal killing of Ceesay, whose charred remains were discovered in his official vehicle in June 1995. The murder sent shockwaves through the nation and has long been viewed as one of the emblematic crimes of the Jammeh-era—a period marred by enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and gross human rights violations.

During the original trial, the prosecution presented multiple witnesses who testified to Touray’s involvement, describing events that placed him at the scene of the crime. Prosecutors contended that the consistency of these witness accounts was sufficient to establish Touray’s direct role in orchestrating and carrying out the murder.

However, Touray’s defense team has persistently challenged the verdict, arguing that the conviction was based primarily on circumstantial evidence and unreliable testimony. They claim the trial court failed to adequately assess the credibility of certain witnesses and ignored evidence that could have exonerated their client. The defense maintains that the proceedings were fundamentally flawed and that Touray did not receive a fair trial.

Today’s ruling is expected to carry significant implications not only for Touray’s fate but also for The Gambia’s broader transitional justice process. The case has been closely watched both domestically and internationally as a test of the country’s commitment to addressing crimes committed during the Jammeh dictatorship, particularly those revealed during the hearings of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

Observers gathered outside the courthouse this morning, with emotions running high as many await a verdict that could mark a turning point in the nation’s pursuit of justice and reconciliation.

The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its judgment later today.