By Adama Makasuba
Twenty-five years on since the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council allegedly killed 10 Gambian soldiers on the suspicion of coup attempt, but the scar is still fresh in the minds of the bereaved family members.
Tears rolled on the cheeks of the family members of the slain soldiers at Yundum Barracks outside the capital; Banjul, on Wednesday after remains of seven soldiers was unearthed by the Investigation team of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission.
Close to two weeks of excavation by the Investigation team led by a forensic expert, finally discovered remains including, bones, skulls, a ring, under wears and cords in a single grave in the army barracks.
Speaking at the somber scene in Yundum Barracks, Fatou Manne, who is a younger sister to the late Lt Bakary Manneh alias Nyancho, said the death of her brother left enormous burden on the family, as she said late Lt Manneh was the only person assisting their father in taken care of the family.
“We encountered so many problems because people responsible for our families were killed and, we face enormous difficulties. They all died young because when my brother was killed he was 26-years-old, but he was the breadwinner of our family then. I never thought I would see the remains of my brother in life anymore, Mrs. Manneh said.
Awa Njie, a window of the late Lt Abdoulie Dot Faal, earlier told the commission that they had only one boy child before the horrific action was meted on her husband by the Junta in 1994.
As she was touched with sorrow at the scene of the exhumed remains, Mrs. Njie only for her slain husband and others soldiers for eternal peace.
Fatou Sowe, also a widow to the late Sgt Fafa Nyang, urged the children’s of the slain soldiers to be patience as she said they died in liberating the country from the hands of Satan.
Dr Lamin Sise, Chairman of the Commission, assured the commission’s commitment to fulfilling their tasked, adding “If anybody doubts it whether or not people were killed that they were buried in mass graves, well here is the evidence.”
Meanwhile, President Adama Barrow extended his condolences to the families of the affected and called on Gambians to working in assisting the commission to carry out its mandate of establishing the truth and promote reconciliation.
Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission is established to probe into the human rights crimes and atrocities happened under former president Yahya Jammeh, who now lives in exile in Equatorial Guinea.