The Trump administration’s recent decision to freeze all government aid programs worldwide for 90 days has sparked concerns in The Gambia, where U.S. funding plays a crucial role in transitional justice efforts. The administration has indicated that many of these programs—primarily funded by USAID and the State Department—may be permanently discontinued.
In 2023, the U.S. provided $35.9 million in aid to The Gambia, making it one of the country’s largest donors. While critics argue that only a fraction of this funding reaches local organizations, any reduction in assistance is expected to have a significant impact.
One of the most affected initiatives could be the hybrid court set up to prosecute crimes committed during former President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule. The U.S. Office of Global Criminal Justice had already allocated funds to support this court, but those commitments have now been suspended. Organizations such as the Center for Justice and Accountability, which had received U.S. funding for transitional justice efforts, have been forced to halt parts of their work.
If the administration’s cuts are approved by Congress, The Gambia’s transitional justice program could face severe financial challenges. European donors have also been reducing their contributions, adding to the uncertainty. The Gambian government estimates that the hybrid court alone will require $60 million in funding.
Struggles to Secure Funding for Justice
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow recently appealed to the international community for support, emphasizing the importance of funding both the Special Tribunal and victim reparations programs. However, experts warn that securing such funds was already difficult, and U.S. aid cuts could make it nearly impossible.
The U.S. has historically played a significant role in funding justice initiatives across Africa, including the Special Tribunal for Chad’s former dictator Hissène Habré and the Special Court for the Central African Republic. These courts operated with annual budgets between $11 million and $15 million, with U.S. support being a key contributor.
Despite these setbacks, The Gambia has committed its own resources to transitional justice. The 2025 national budget allocates 205 million dalasi ($2.8 million) to the Ministry of Justice, including 20 million dalasi ($275,000) for the Special Prosecutor’s Office, which will oversee case investigations and prosecutions. The government expects the office to be operational by mid-2025.
The broader transitional justice plan includes 304 initiatives across four key areas: reparations, justice and accountability, reconciliation, and institutional reforms. The total cost is estimated at $150 million, with a five-year timeline ending in 2027.
Holding Perpetrators Accountable
The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission, which concluded its work in 2021, recommended holding Yahya Jammeh accountable for crimes including the killings of at least 240 people. The government accepted 263 of the commission’s 265 recommendations and is working to implement them.
To prosecute cases, The Gambia plans to establish a Special Tribunal, a Special Criminal Division within the High Court, and the Special Prosecutor’s Office. The Special Tribunal will handle cases with international implications, allowing trials to be conducted outside The Gambia if necessary—potentially targeting individuals like Jammeh, who remains in exile in Equatorial Guinea.
Reparations Also at Risk
Funding for victim reparations could also suffer due to the aid freeze. The Gambian government established a Victim’s Reparations Fund, financed through National Assembly allocations, the sale of Jammeh’s assets, and international grants. The 2025 budget earmarks 30 million dalasi ($413,000) for the Victim Reparations Commission, down from 60 million dalasi ($827,000) in 2024.
Additionally, $2.5 million from the sale of Jammeh’s U.S. property has been designated for victim compensation. The government has also set aside 10 million dalasi ($137,931) for medical support to victims, with at least 100 individuals already receiving assistance.
A new seven-member Victim Reparations Commission, including representatives of victims and youth groups, has been appointed to oversee the compensation process. The commission’s five-year mandate may be extended if necessary.
Uncertain Future for U.S. Aid
The long-term impact of the aid freeze remains unclear, as Congress and the courts weigh in on the administration’s decision. While the White House has rescinded the initial memo cutting funding, officials suggest that further executive actions will continue efforts to reduce government spending.
For The Gambia, this means the relief may only be temporary. With both the U.S. and European nations reconsidering their financial commitments, the future of the country’s transitional justice process remains uncertain.
