By Adama Makasuba
Captain Babucarr Bah, of The Gambia Armed Forces, has accepted torturing Omar A Jallow alias OJ during his detention at the Fajara Barracks in 1994 and then apologized.
Bah made the confession on Tuesday while testifying before the Truth Commission saying: “as I came closed to him (OJ) I punched him in his stomach and started beating him. I hit him mercilessly until he fell down,” he told the Truth Commission.
He said that he was asked by Almamo Manneh to torture OJ on the allegations that OJ wanted to overthrow the AFPRC regime.
However, Captain Bah also sought forgiveness from OJ and said that he has regretted his actions on him. He subsequently added that he was in his 20s at the time as he stated“I blamed myself and really regretted my action.”
He then appealed: “I feel guilty and have felt to render my apology to him (OJ). I have accepted the responsibility and hereby apologize to him. I would like to accept that I am guilty and have accepted guiltiness 100 per cent. I have regretted it and want to say I am sorry to all Gambians particularly to uncle OJ.”
He outlined the reasons why he couldn’t face OJ to seek for forgiveness under the circumstances that Jammeh was in power and he was casted with clouds of doubt if he (Jammeh) got to know about that process. Meanwhile, how would OJ also react to him then?
He also noted that he is willing to apply for amnesty and committed to reconciliation and healings in the country. He urged others who are to appear before the Truth Commission to learn from his testimony and come forward to tell the truth to all Gambians and the world at large.
