By: Mariama Njie
Fabian Salvioli, United National Special Rapporteur on the Promotion of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Guarantees of non-Recurrence, has said that the government of The Gambia is yet to establish the manner to prosecute perpetrators of human rights violations.
“ Only a handful of proceedings have been started since the transition started in 2017, he said at a press conference here today Wednesday at end of his eight days visit to at the UN House in Bakau..
“A case has been opened against nine former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) agents accused of involvement in the killing of Solo Sandeng, despite some progress, the prosecutor team struggles with lack of material resources to carry out its work”, he added.
He pointed out that, during his trip to the Gambia he visited Banjul, Kotu, Kololi, Fajara, Kanifing, Jambur, Yundum and Kanilai.
“The visit provided an opportunity to meet with state officials, victims, civil society Organisations, religious and traditional leaders, as well as representatives from United Nation agencies and the diplomatic community”, he revealed.
Mr. Salvioli explained that, President Adama Barrow established two truth- seeking commission to investigate economic crimes and human rights abuses committed during the ex-President Yahya Jammeh’s regime, and the commission of Inquiry into the financial activities of the public bodies has ended.
He further explained that he received reports concerning that government has released or dropped charges against several alleged perpetrator, adding that in August 2019 four “Junglers” were released from detention.
“The release of junglers after confessing to the commission of gross human rights violations before the truth commission , shocked Gambian society and has eroded people’s trust in the commission process”, he said.
He also mention that, numerous reports indicate that the government has made insufficient efforts to secure and achieve documentary and on-site evidence of the past violations, which could be used in criminal proceedings.
“During my visit, I did not become aware of any initiatives taken by the government in the field of memorization, the commission officials informed that memorization process will be included as part of the recommendations in the commission’s final report”, he alluded.
According to him, during his eight days visit, he was shocked by the testimonies heard from victims and their relatives, adding that their narratives provided a harrowing account of the violations perpetrated in campaigns.
He urges the Gambian State and the three branches of government, to continue to advance in the pending aspects on the transitional justice agenda.