Establishment of Special Tribunal for The Gambia to Address Human…

Establishment of Special Tribunal for The Gambia to Address Human Rights Violations

Posted On: March 18, 2025
Posted By: Lila Chaudhury
Comments: 0

The Special Tribunal for The Gambia has been established to prosecute crimes committed under Yahya Jammeh’s regime. The decision was made during the ECOWAS Summit on December 15, 2024, building on the TRRC’s findings. This tribunal represents a commitment to justice and regional collaboration, intending to uphold international legal standards for fair processes.

On December 15, 2024, during the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, a significant resolution was reached to create the Special Tribunal for The Gambia. This decision aims to prosecute the crimes committed under the leadership of former President Yahya Jammeh, with support from regional lawmakers and neighboring West African nations.

The Tribunal will build upon the findings of The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which investigated the human rights violations that transpired from 2017 to 2021. The TRRC collected testimonies that revealed severe crimes such as murder, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances, resulting in recommendations for justice and accountability.

The formation of the special tribunal was influenced by two key factors: the acknowledgment of The Gambia’s constitutional independence by regional lawmakers and the involvement of ECOWAS. This collaboration highlights a regional commitment to prosecute individuals responsible for these crimes, including those who have fled the country. The Tribunal is expected to adhere to international legal standards, ensuring that justice is delivered in a fair and unbiased manner.

The establishment of the Special Tribunal for The Gambia marks a pivotal step towards accountability for human rights violations committed under the Jammeh regime. Supported by ECOWAS and based on the TRRC’s findings, this initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to justice and restoration. By adhering to international standards, the Tribunal aims to ensure fair judicial processes for all involved parties.

Original Source: www.universiteitleiden.nl

, RECONCILIATION AB ABUJA AFRICA AFRICAN STATES ARBITRARY DETENTION ECOWAS GAMBIA HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS HUMAN_RIGHTS INTERNATIONAL LAW JAMMEH LAWMAKERS NIGERIA SPECIAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE GAMBIA THE GAMBIA YA YAHYA JAMMEH

Lila Chaudhury

Lila Chaudhury is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in international reporting. Born and raised in Mumbai, she obtained her degree in Journalism from the University of Delhi. Her career began at a local newspaper where she quickly developed a reputation for her incisive analysis and compelling storytelling. Lila has worked with various global news organizations and has reported from conflict zones and emerging democracies, earning accolades for her brave coverage and dedication to truth.