The African Network Against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances (ANEKED) says it is waiting for The Gambia’s special Accountability Mechanism to begin prosecuting former President Yahya Jammeh and senior officials accused of serious human rights violations during his 22-year rule.
In an interview with JollofNews, ANEKED Country Director Sirra Ndow confirmed that a Special Division of the High Court was established in January 2024, but the process remains stalled until a special prosecutor is appointed to prepare cases.
“The mechanism is in place, but we are waiting for the prosecutor to be appointed. It is this office that will decide which cases are tried in the Special Division and which may be referred to an international tribunal,” Ndow said.
The government had announced that the Accountability Mechanism would be operational by 2025. However, delays have emerged, partly due to funding shortfalls, including recent cuts by the US government. Despite this, ANEKED remains hopeful that the special prosecutor will be named soon, following a call for applications that closed in June.
Ndow stressed that accountability should not rest solely with Gambian authorities. She pointed to the role of other countries where alleged perpetrators have sought refuge.
“We have seen positive steps with cases like Bai Lowe in Germany, Ousman Sonko in Switzerland, and Michael Sang Correa in the United States. These are important precedents under universal jurisdiction,” she told JollofNews.
For ANEKED, justice for the victims of enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings under Jammeh’s government will require both domestic and international cooperation.
“The victims have waited too long. Every delay undermines their right to justice and the promise of never again,” Ndow added.
The fate of Jammeh, who has lived in exile in Equatorial Guinea since January 2017, remains uncertain. While the TRRC report recommended prosecution for him and several of his top officials, the start of trials depends on the government’s next move.
