The Gambia has established a Special Tribunal to prosecute crimes from Yahya Jammeh’s regime, following the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission’s findings. This decision, supported by ECOWAS and regional lawmakers, aims to uphold justice and accountability within an independent judicial framework.
On December 15, 2024, during the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, a significant decision was made to establish the Special Tribunal for The Gambia. This tribunal aims to prosecute the crimes committed during the tenure of former President Yahya Jammeh, with the support of regional lawmakers and West African nations.
The tribunal is a direct outcome of the findings from The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC). The TRRC investigated human rights abuses from 2017 to 2021, documenting grave offenses such as murder, torture, and enforced disappearances. It provided recommendations for achieving justice and accountability, forming the basis for the tribunal’s objectives.
Two critical factors facilitated the establishment of the special tribunal. Firstly, regional lawmakers acknowledged The Gambia’s constitutional independence and its right to create its own judicial systems. Secondly, the active involvement of ECOWAS ensures a collective commitment to holding accountable those responsible, including exiles. The tribunal is designed to operate under international legal standards, promoting fair and impartial justice.
The establishment of the Special Tribunal for The Gambia is a landmark step towards addressing historical injustices related to the Yahya Jammeh era. Supported by ECOWAS and rooted in the findings of the TRRC, the tribunal underscores The Gambia’s pursuit of justice, accountability, and reconciliation, signaling a commitment to uphold human rights and the rule of law in the region.
Original Source: www.universiteitleiden.nl
