The Special Tribunal for The Gambia was established on December 15, 2024, to prosecute crimes under the Yahya Jammeh regime. This tribunal builds on the work of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and is supported by ECOWAS for regional accountability in human rights violations.
The 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, held on December 15, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, marked a significant milestone with the establishment of the Special Tribunal for The Gambia. This legal body aims to prosecute crimes committed during the Yahya Jammeh regime, emphasizing justice and accountability supported by regional lawmakers and West African states.
The tribunal is a continuation of the efforts initiated by The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which explored human rights violations occurring between 2017 and 2021. The TRRC collected testimonies from victims and perpetrators, revealing severe crimes, such as murder, torture, and enforced disappearances, and formulated recommendations for justice.
Two critical factors led to the tribunal’s formation: the recognition by regional legislators of Gambia’s constitutional independence, allowing it to create its own judicial bodies, and the commitment from ECOWAS for united regional prosecution efforts. The Special Tribunal is designed to operate under international legal standards to ensure justice is delivered fairly and impartially.
In summary, the Special Tribunal for The Gambia signifies a proactive step towards addressing human rights violations from the Jammeh era. It relies on the foundational work of the TRRC and benefits from regional support to ensure accountability for past atrocities, reflecting a collective commitment to justice in West Africa.
Original Source: www.universiteitleiden.nl
