A Special Tribunal for The Gambia has been established to prosecute crimes under the Yahya Jammeh regime, based on the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission. This initiative, supported by regional lawmakers and ECOWAS, aims to ensure accountability for human rights abuses and operate according to international legal standards.
The Special Tribunal for The Gambia was established following a significant resolution made at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, on December 15, 2024. This tribunal seeks to prosecute crimes committed during the tenure of former President Yahya Jammeh, backed by both regional lawmakers and other West African nations.
The Tribunal builds upon the findings of The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which cataloged human rights violations from 2017 to 2021 under Jammeh’s regime. Through testimonies from victims and offenders, the TRRC revealed serious offenses such as murder, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances, offering recommendations for justice and accountability.
Two critical factors contributed to the creation of the Tribunal. Firstly, regional lawmakers have acknowledged The Gambia’s constitutional authority to develop its own judicial processes. Secondly, the commitment from ECOWAS to support prosecutions ensures accountability for all involved, including those who have fled the country. The Tribunal is designed to operate under international legal standards, facilitating the delivery of fair and unbiased justice.
The establishment of the Special Tribunal for The Gambia represents a significant step toward accountability for the human rights violations committed during Yahya Jammeh’s regime. The backing from both regional lawmakers and ECOWAS highlights a shared commitment to just judicial processes within West Africa. The Tribunal is set to adhere to international legal standards, thereby enhancing hopes for impartiality in its proceedings.
Original Source: www.universiteitleiden.nl
