“I assure them (victims’ families) that my government will ensure that is justice is done, but I urge them to be patient and allow the legal process to take its course,” he told truth commission members upon receiving their final report. Jammeh’s two-decade regime was marked by arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and summary executions that were revealed through dramatic testimony during the commission hearings that lasted for years.īarrow, calling the commission one of the highlights of his presidential career, has promised prosecutions and justice for victims. Last week, the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations commission handed its 17-volume report to President Barrow, urging him to deliver on expectations in ensuring that perpetrators of human rights violations are prosecuted. They have all vowed to run under an agenda for change as Gambians seek justice, but also a stronger economy in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic that continues to see large numbers attempting the deadly migration route to Europe.
He faces former mentor and head opposition leader Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party Mama Kandeh of Gambia Democratic Congress Halifa Sallah of People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism Abdoulie Ebrima Jammeh of the National Unity Party and Essa Mbye Faal, former lead counsel of the truth commission, who is running under an independent ticket. Up to six candidates are vying for the country’s top post, including the incumbent Adama Barrow, who ran in 2016 as the candidate for an opposition coalition.
We cannot have reconciliation without justice,” Gambia Bar Association lawyer Salieu Taal told The Associated Press.
“As a country, we cannot heal without justice.
While the 2016 elections that removed Jammeh from power after 22 years saw Gambians go from fear to elation, many are still not satisfied with the progress the nation has made and want certainty that the new leaders will bring the tiny West African nation of about 2 million, dependent on tourism, toward peace and justice.ĭespite his departure from Gambia in 2017, Jammeh’s grip on the elections remains as candidates vow to continue to fight for justice - the nation continues to suffer from the effects of Jammeh’s rule, still awaiting justice for rights abuses committed during that time and funds taken from state coffers. BANJUL, Gambia (AP) - Gambians are set to vote Saturday in a historic election, one that for the first time will not have former dictator Yahya Jammeh appearing on the ballot.
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