The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) has been actively involved in the restoration of the rule of law and respect for human rights in the country. Working closely with the Ministry of Justice, the GBA provided vital support in the drafting of the Special Accountability Mechanism (SAM) Bill and the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) Bill.
With funding from the British High Commission and Democracy International, the GBA supported the sensitization of the two bills through a series of TV and radio programs. The panels were comprised of a broad range of stakeholders which included the Ministry of Justice, the GBA, and victim-led organizations. The panel discussions delved into the specifics of the post-TRRC accountability mechanisms and outlined the strategic steps for their implementation. The panelists articulated the core objectives of the accountability mechanisms, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring comprehensive, impartial, and just prosecution of individuals responsible for the human rights violations that occurred between July 1994 and January 2017, irrespective of their rank or position.
During these discussions, representatives from the GBA and stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice explained the Gambian government’s plans to establish a special accountability mechanism aligned with international law and practices. These accountability mechanisms will be tailored to the specific needs and context of The Gambia, focusing on prioritizing victim participation and overall victim centeredness within the transitional justice framework.
The panel discussions also delved on The Gambia’s collaboration with ECOWAS, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing the establishment of a Special Tribunal to adjudicate TRRC cases that fall outside the jurisdiction of the Special Criminal Division of the High Court. Engaging listeners in both English and local languages, the media campaign elaborated on the necessity of establishing these judicial systems, pointing out that some crimes committed during the Jammeh era, such as enforced disappearances, torture, and crimes against humanity, are not adequately addressed by The Gambia’s domestic law. It was emphasized that such crimes offend the conscience and sensibility of humanity, necessitating a response that sends a clear message to prevent their recurrence.
