Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Gambia Government has accepted the prosecution of former President Yahya Jammeh, Edward Singhateh, Yankuba Touray and Peter Singhateh in accordance with the recommendation of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
This is contained in the government Whitepaper released on Wednesday and also expressed government resolve to extradite the former President, Edward Singhateh and Peter Singhateh to face charges for the killing of former Finance Minister Ousman Koro Ceesay.
The former Finance Minister was evidently killed in 1995, shortly after seeing off the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) junta leader of Captain Yahya Jammeh at the Banjul International Airport allegedly by Yankuba Touray, Edward Singhateh and Peter Singhateh with the help of their personal bodyguards.
TRRC evidences revealed that Ousman Koro Ceesay was brought to the house of Yankuba Touray following the departure ceremony for Jammeh, revealing that upon entering the compound of Yankuba Touray he was struck over the head twice with a pestle by Peter Singhateh, after which Yankuba Touray and Edward Singhateh joined using the same pestle to struck the former Finance Minister.
The trio were said to have asked Alhagi Kanyi, Tumbul Tamba, Pa Alieu Gomez and BK Jatta to join the fray using firewood in their quest in killing the former finance minister.
Taking the totality of the evidence, the Commission recommended the prosecution of Yahya Jammeh, Edward Singhateh, Yankuba Touray and Peter Singhateh for their role in the premeditated murder of Ousman Koro Ceesay and also subverting the course of justice by covering up their crimes.
“The government accepts the recommendation of the commission. The recommendations is partially implemented with the conviction and sentencing of Yankuba Touray for his part in Koro Ceesay’s murder,” government Whitepaper confirmed.
It added: “However, others referred to are outside the country as such the government will work with the countries they are residing for their extradition to the Gambia to face prosecution.
Alternatively, where possible arrangements can be made for them to be prosecuted in the countries they reside in.” The Whitepaper indicated that Yankuba Touray for his part has already been indicted for the murder of Koro Ceesay in his individual capacity and was convicted of the murder of Koro in the High Court of The Gambia on 14th July, 2021.