The Gambian government this week acceded to one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which is investigating abuses by the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh (1994-2017), in particular by suspending officials who took part in the crimes perpetrated under the era of this former head of state.
Several members of the army and the police are among those targeted. The suspension measure should take effect immediately.
Some human rights activists have welcomed the measure and are also waiting to learn more about the fate of Yahya Jammeh himself, exiled in Equatorial Guinea. His extradition is hardly mentioned, while the Banjul authorities had promised to have him tried in Gambia.
Banjul published a white paper at the end of May on the measures the government intends to take following the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission.
The Commission investigated for more than two years the human rights violations perpetrated under Jammeh (assassinations, acts of torture, enforced disappearances, rape and castration, arbitrary arrests, etc.). A 17-volume report was submitted to President Adama Barrow on November 25.
About 250 people died at the hands of the state and its agents, according to the Commission, which recommended, among other things, the prosecution of the former leader and his alleged accomplices.
One of the tragic crimes committed during the Jammeh era was the alleged massacre in 2005 of around 50 illegal African migrants bound for Europe by Gambian soldiers.
By OMA Newsletter N° 747 of 17/06/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
