By RFIPosted on 15-10-2018Modified on 15-10-2018 at 01:14

The Gambia launches its Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission on October 15, one of the main commitments of President Adama Barrow after his election victory over Yahya Jammeh. The official inauguration ceremony is scheduled for the morning at the institution's premises, near the capital Banjul. The commission will have to shed light on the abuses committed during the 22 years of Yahya Jammeh's power, and allow the victims to finally be able to express themselves. A heavy task therefore awaits these commissionaires.

The 11 Gambian commissioners who will take the oath on the morning of 15 October were chosen through a long process of consultation with civil society and local communities. These are four women and seven men, from different regions, ethnicities and religions. Their president is also a former UN executive.

These commissioners will have two years to investigate the entire period of Yahya Jammeh's reign, from the coup of July 1994 until the departure of the former leader, in January 2017. This work is based on the collection of testimonies and on public hearings for some key files, which could start as of the end of the month, according to the executive secretary of the commission.

Give the Gambians the floor

The goal is to give the Gambians the floor to establish the truth, but also to create a national dialogue to understand the mechanisms that made such a regime possible.

The institution is not a court, but it can recommend prosecutions against certain officials, or amnesties, under certain conditions, for those who agree to testify. It will also be responsible for distributing repairs, financial or symbolic.

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