The Special Tribunal for The Gambia was established on December 15, 2024, to prosecute crimes from Yahya Jammeh’s regime, supported by regional lawmakers and ECOWAS. It builds on findings from the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission, emphasizing judicial independence and accountability.
On December 15, 2024, during the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, it was announced that the Special Tribunal for The Gambia will be established. This tribunal aims to prosecute crimes committed during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh, in collaboration with regional lawmakers and West African states.
The Tribunal’s formation stems from the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which operated from 2017 to 2021. The TRRC documented human rights violations under Jammeh’s rule, such as murder, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances, and issued recommendations for justice and accountability.
Two critical factors facilitated the tribunal’s establishment. Firstly, regional lawmakers formally recognized The Gambia’s constitutional autonomy to create its own judicial mechanisms. Secondly, ECOWAS’s involvement signifies a collective commitment across the region to hold accountable individuals, including those who have fled. The tribunal is designed to function in accordance with international legal standards, ensuring the provision of fair and impartial justice.
The Special Tribunal for The Gambia marks a significant step toward addressing human rights violations committed under Yahya Jammeh’s regime. Its establishment is a result of regional support and a recognition of The Gambia’s autonomy in judicial matters, aiming to deliver justice for victims and establish accountability for past crimes. As the tribunal prepares to operate under international legal standards, it represents hope for justice in the region.
Original Source: www.universiteitleiden.nl
