The Gambia has provided a comprehensive update on its efforts to implement recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) during a recent review by the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances.
The UN committee acknowledged the country’s progress, particularly the 2024 Reparations Act, which established a Victims Fund and a Reparations Commission. However, concerns were raised regarding the timeline for compensating victims and prosecuting those responsible for enforced disappearances under former President Yahya Jammeh’s rule.
Officials were questioned about whether the Reparations Act would cover future cases and how the government planned to carry out prosecutions within five years through a Special Court and Special Prosecutor’s Office. Financial constraints were highlighted as a challenge, with some reforms still pending.
Justice Minister Dawda Jallow assured the committee that victims do not have to wait for prosecutions to receive compensation. He explained that while a few cases, including those of nine intelligence officers, had been prosecuted, the government was waiting for the Special Prosecutor’s appointment before proceeding with further legal action.
He also confirmed that a recruitment process for the Special Prosecutor would soon begin, and all TRRC materials would be handed over to guide future prosecutions, including potential legal action against the former president.
Out of approximately 1,009 victims, 108 have received partial compensation, while over 700 payments exceeding $50,000 have been made. The Reparations Commission will now oversee the compensation process, create a new victims’ database, and allow those who have not yet received reparations to register for assistance.
