Justice Minister Dawda Jallow has appealed to the international community for financial and technical support to establish a $60 million hybrid tribunal aimed at addressing human rights violations under former president Yahya Jammeh’s regime.
The proposed tribunal, combining domestic and international elements, is a key component of Gambia’s transitional justice process, which seeks accountability and reconciliation. Minister Jallow highlighted the critical role of international organizations, such as Ecowas and the UN, in ensuring the tribunal’s success.
During a presentation at the Human Rights Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Jallow stated: “We urge the international community to fund the Special Tribunal and strengthen victim reparations programs as part of our transitional justice efforts.”
The Special Accountability Mechanisms Act, enacted to prosecute nearly 70 individuals implicated by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), establishes the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the Special Criminal Division of the High Court, and an international tribunal in partnership with Ecowas. Jallow estimated that 60% of the funding must be secured to initiate the tribunal’s operations, with plans to open the Special Prosecutor’s office by June 2025.
The Gambian government has also made progress in prosecuting individuals involved in gross human rights violations through international collaborations and the universal jurisdiction principle. Victim reparations remain a priority, evidenced by the recent enactment of the Victims’ Reparations Act of 2023.
Jallow reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implement the TRRC recommendations. Out of the 265 recommendations, 263 have been accepted, with 16% already implemented, including legislative reforms and victim support initiatives. The government’s plan spans justice, accountability, institutional reforms, and peacebuilding.
Additionally, Jallow announced that the draft Constitution Promulgation Bill, set for review by the National Assembly in March 2025, prioritizes fundamental rights and governance reforms. Key features include the abolition of the death penalty, presidential term limits, expanded protections for vulnerable groups, and mechanisms to promote gender equality and representation.
Despite challenges, Jallow highlighted that The Gambia has implemented 207 of the 222 recommendations from the previous Universal Periodic Review, reflecting significant progress in transitional justice and governance reform.
