West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, has authorized the creation of a special court to address crimes committed during Gambia’s military dictatorship under Yahya Jammeh. The decision was made during a summit of regional leaders in Abuja, Nigeria.
The court will focus on prosecuting crimes committed between 1996 and 2017, including arbitrary detentions, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings. This follows growing calls for justice in Gambia, where Jammeh ruled until his exile to Equatorial Guinea in 2017 after losing the 2016 presidential election.
A pivotal moment in the push for accountability was the conclusion of a truth commission in 2021. The commission’s recommendations strongly advocated for prosecuting individuals involved in human rights violations under Jammeh’s regime.
Efforts to bring justice have already gained traction. In May, a Swiss court sentenced Jammeh’s former interior minister to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity. More recently, in November, a German court convicted Bai Lowe, a Gambian man and former driver for a military unit targeting Jammeh’s critics, of murder and crimes against humanity.
The Gambian Ministry of Justice has praised the establishment of the special court as a “historic development” and a major step toward justice and accountability. This move is viewed as critical for addressing past abuses and promoting reconciliation for victims and their families.
The creation of the court underscores West Africa’s commitment to addressing historical wrongs and ensuring accountability for grave human rights violations. As the court begins its work, it offers hope for healing and justice for those affected by decades of oppression.
