By Yusupha Jobe
The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) yesterday presented the commission’s truth finding interim report to the Minister of Justice in his office in Banjul.
The Commission set up by Act of National Assembly was purposely designed to investigate the financial dealings of former President Yayah Jammeh including his associates.
Handing over the report to Minister of Justice, Lamin Sise Chairman of the Commission apologized for the delay in submitting the report to the Ministry. He said the Commission has now finished work on the interim report while the Commission will now focus on completing its mandate and working on the final report.
As per the provision of the Commission’s mandate, he said the report he covers only the Commission’s activities during the first year of its work.
“The interim report only covers the commission’s activities during its first year of work as an established fact finding commission.”
In address he said “The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) on Wednesday, April 29 submitted its interim report to The Gambia Government. The report does not contain any recommendations such recommendations will be part of our final report to be submitted to the Ministry after its completion.”
Receiving the report on behalf of the President, Minister of Justice, Abubacarr Ba Tambadou thanked the Commissioners and the entire staff of the TRRC for what he called a wonderful work carried out to find truth for the purpose of reconciliation among Gambians.
“The Commission has set the bar so high as far as transitional justice and truth commissions are concerned around the world,” he stated.
He then assured the Commission of further transmission of the report to the President and will render all support needed by the fact finding commission to carry out its important duty for the country.
Also speaking at the presentation of the report was the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Baba Galleh Jallow. He said they are grateful for the continued support received from the Gambia Government and more especially Ministry of Justice and the government for non-interference in the work of the Commission since the start of hearings.
“The fact that there is no government interference in the Commission’s work is particularly important because it safeguards the integrity of the TRRC process and this we appreciate so much constitutionally established truth finding commission,” he asserted.
