Gambia: Truth and Reconciliation Commission reports on Jammeh-era crimes

Yahya Jammeh when he left Gambia on January 21, 2017. REUTERS / Thierry Gouegnon

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The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission reported Thursday to President Adama Barrow.

The fruit of more than 2 years of hearing victims, witnesses and perpetrators of crimes committed under former President Yahya Jammeh, in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

In its recommendations, the Commission calls for legal proceedings against the perpetrators of these crimes, without giving more details for the moment.

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With our correspondent in Banjul

Milan Berckmans

It is a highly anticipated dossier that the commissioners of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission have brought to President Adama Barrow.

He recommends that those mainly responsible for crimes committed during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh be brought to justice, explains Commission President Lamin Sise.

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In its report, the Commission identified and recommended the prosecution of those most responsible for the gross human rights violations and abuses committed against Gambians and non-Gambians between July 1994 and January 2017. 

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One of the big questions relates to the recommendations contained in this document.

In particular on the need or not for the former president - now in exile in Equatorial Guinea - to be accountable.

To read also: Gambia: after two years of work, the Truth Commission has finished its hearings

In any case, the Head of State Adama Barrow wished to reassure his willingness to complete the process.

 I assure you, my government will study the report carefully, in order to take the appropriate measures.

The government will then inform the public of its position in a white paper to be released six months from today.

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Before that, the government must submit a summary of the report to the National Assembly.

According to several sources within the Commission, the report itself should be made public immediately.

It was an expected report, so we are happy that it is submitted and we hope to be able to see all the content of the report, especially what concerns the conclusions and recommendations.

And it is hoped that the recommendations will lead to justice and reparations for the victims of human rights violations during the Yahya Jammeh regime.

Michèle Eken, West Africa researcher at Amnesty International

Claire Fages

To read also: Gambia: the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, subject of many expectations

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