The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) has recommended in its report ten people including the current director general of State Intelligent Services to be banned from holding public office for ten years.
“The following present and past NIA officials who directly and indirectly participated in the torture of detainees and other gross human rights violations and abuses must be banned from holding any public office with the government of The Gambia for a minimum period of 10 years. Ousman Sowe, the current Director General, be banned from holding public office with the government of The Gambia for a minimum period of 10 years [for] destruction and concealment of evidence at the NIA,” the report said.
The report also recommended Yankuba Badjie, the former Director General of the NIA and Sheikh Omar Jeng to be prosecuted for their role in the torture of Solo Sandeng and co while at the agency.
“Yankuba Badjie, Sheik Omar Jeng and Tamba Masireh be prosecuted for their role in the torture against Solo Sandeng and the April 14th 2016 UDP demonstrators at the NIA. Edrissa Jobe (Alagie Morr) be prosecuted for the torture against Lamin Karbou and others at the NIA. Lamin Darboe, the head of the Special Operations Unit, be prosecuted for his role in all the tortures committed by Special Operations at the NIA,” it said.
The TRRC also recommended 3 three other members of the NIA Special Operations Unit be reprimanded for torture.
“Basiru Sey, Alasan Baldeh and Gibril Kanyibe reprimanded for all the tortures they committed as members of the Special Operations Unit. Lt. Col. Amadou Bojang, Ebrima Ceesay, Babucarr Trawally, Alpha Bejang and Babucarr Singhateh be reprimanded for the torture and unlawful detention of Pa Alasan Jallow, Ebrima Keita and Musa Fofana,” the commission said.
The commission also recommended all NIA staff must to undergo adequate and comprehensive training to inculcate the culture of discipline and values that promote respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms and upholding the rule of law in a democratic system.
