The establishment of the Special Tribunal for The Gambia was confirmed at the ECOWAS Heads of State meeting on December 15, 2024. This tribunal will prosecute crimes committed under Yahya Jammeh’s regime and is informed by the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission. The court seeks to deliver justice in line with international legal standards, supported by regional lawmakers and ECOWAS.
The 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja, Nigeria, on December 15, 2024, resulted in a pivotal decision to establish the Special Tribunal for The Gambia. This development is a direct response to the need for accountability regarding the crimes committed during Yahya Jammeh’s regime from 1994 to 2017.
With the support of regional lawmakers and West African states, The Gambia is focused on prosecuting these historical crimes. The Tribunal is informed by the previous work of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which uncovered numerous human rights violations, including murder, torture, and enforced disappearances, through testimonies from victims and abusers alike.
Two significant factors contributed to the establishment of this tribunal: the formal recognition of The Gambia’s constitutional autonomy by regional lawmakers, and ECOWAS’s commitment to support judicial mechanisms that enable the prosecution of individuals responsible for these crimes, regardless of their location. The Tribunal aims to uphold international legal standards, ensuring justice that is both fair and impartial.
The establishment of the Special Tribunal for The Gambia marks a significant stride towards accountability for crimes committed during the Yahya Jammeh era. It underscores The Gambia’s constitutional autonomy and demonstrates the regional commitment through ECOWAS to ensure justice is served, in accordance with international standards. By building on the TRRC’s findings, the tribunal aims to hold perpetrators accountable and promote healing in Gambian society.
Original Source: www.universiteitleiden.nl
