The legal embodiments such as The Gambia Bar Association, the Institute of Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), International Commission of Jurists and International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)on Wednesday 17th November ,  held a public forum under  the theme”from  truth to justice -The implementation of TRRC recommendations on prosecutions”. This material  which has been submitted , highlighted  key human right violations allegedly executed from 1994- 2017 under  Yaya Jammeh led government, whose recommendation to expedite the process for prosecution is amplified.

The president of The Gambia Bar Association, Mr Salieu Taal, expressed dismay by stating that, there is limited court system in the Gambia as a result  ,  contributing to the slow pace of judicial proceedings for the  human right victims to have their cases heard . He added that the laws appeared to inadequately support the process to prosecute the perpetrators of various crimes . 

Neneh M.C.Cham , Human right lawyer,  stated some significance attached to the process of Justice seeking , she added that, the responds received from the alleged perpetrators during the TRRC proceedings  on key human right violations such as rape , enforce disappearance among others , has  left Gambians  in a state of shock. She added that Gambians were struggling, especially the victims, to understand the process to follow in order  to bring the perpetrators to justice , however, she stated that she recommended the use of transitional justice which has efficacy to arrive at truth for reconciliation.

Mr Tiawan Gongloe, a Liberian by nationality, shared his experience as a victim of brutality, he  outlined the importance  of justice, he added that , the perpetrators must  account for their actions in the best interest of peace . He added that the former president Yaya Jammeh must be accountable to the crimes he has been alleged of architing.

Fatou Jange Senghore, Executive Director , Article 19 West Africa also gave an account of her painful  experience. ” perpetrators must not be allowed to roam about without being prosecuted as it might end up bringing revenge “she cautioned.

The truth Commission referred to TRRC is an official body entrusted with the task of unveiling some wrong doings meted out to people irrespective of origin with the hope to bring about reconciliation and reparation to the affected group.

TRRC was established on 20th of July 2017 and ended October 15 of this year respectively

 

By: Alkali Cham