The Gambia’s Victim Center Welcomes ECOWAS Approval of Special Tribunal in the Country

ECOWAS Heads of States at 66th Ordinary Session © ECOWAS

Press Release

Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations. 

Subject: Appreciation of the ECOWAS Approval to set up a Special Tribunal in The Gambia.

On 15th December 2024, the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at its 66th Ordinary Session currently on-going in Abuja, Nigeria approval has been granted for the setting up of a Special Tribunal Court in the Gambia to prosecute perpetrators of human rights violations during the dictatorial regime of Yahya Jammeh between 22 July 1994 and 17 January 2017.

Prior to this approval, in July 2024, there was misinformation regarding the ECOWAS decision in all media houses in the country that ECOWAS has rejected the setting up of a Special Tribunal for The Gambia.  This caused a lot of uncertainties, anxiety, fear and concerns among the victim’s community and the general public.  

The VC very much appreciate the ECOWAS approval which together with the Special Prosecutor’s Officer at the MOJ, which will no doubt enhance the implementation of the TRRC Recommendations as envisaged in the Government White Paper especially regarding prosecutions. 

The VC together with all Victim-led Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, international partners and the public, wish to commend the Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for the crucial role it played in advocating for this approval. We applaud them and encourage them, to continue taking the bold steps in ensuring that justice prevails for the Yahya Jammeh victims.

Following the approval by ECOWAS, we are appealing to the MOJ to fast track the setting up of the Special Prosecutor’s Office which is crucial in the operationalization of the Special Tribunal.  

Finally, we urge the government to speed up the implementation of the Government White Paper, especially regarding reparations and subsequent reconciliation to enhance peace in our beloved country.                                                                                                       

Dated 16th December 2024