President Adama Barrow of the Gambia has Thursday renewed the commitment of his government to restore full democracy, human rights and the pursuit of justice for all.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Baba Galleh Jallow as executive secretary of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TTRC), which is mandated to look into the human rights abuses committed under the former regime of Yahya Jammeh, Mr Barrow said his government will always stand firm for truth and justice.
“In our journey towards the consolidation of democracy, good governance, human rights and national development, we have moved yet to another strategic level in our judicial reform programme,” he stated.
“The swearing of the executive secretary is an important pillar in building a strong institutional foundation in the dispensation of justice.”
The president added that as part of his desire to provide closure to victims of the previous regime, he believes that it is very important to establish the truth in order to take the right and informed decision to compensate the victims and also to reconcile as a nation.
He however warned that those who committed human rights abuses will be brought to justice.
Mr Barrow noted that Baba Galleh Jallow’s appointment was not based on partisan consideration but rather carefully vetted and guided by competence, integrity and qualification.
And whilst reminding Mr Jallow of the enormous task ahead, the president encouraged him encourage to deliver efficiently and effectively with a high sense of discipline and honesty.
He added: “Essentially, we trust you to bring out the best recommendations in line with your terms of reference without prejudice against anybody.
” I want to assure you of my government’s maximum support in providing the right environment of transparency and independence for you to effectively perform your assignment without any interference. Clearly, the provision of credible information and pointers by the public is essential for the success of this Commission. I therefore, call upon the public to give this Commission the necessary support and collaboration to enable it to effectively perform this difficult task.”
The “victim” is the judge for the “victims”. What a paradox!
The thief investigates the thieves. What a joke!
The blind man leading another blind man. They all fall into the same ditch!
What a sham! The UNQUALIFIED hand-picked Executive Secretary of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Council(TRRC), Dr Baba Galleh Jallow, who at one time claimed to be a “victim” of the President Jammeh government is presiding over a council that he is expected to man impartially. What an insult on democracy!
In the first place, what is the need for such a council when there is a Commission of Inquiry in place, when many people have already taken their cases to court?
A RECONCILIATION council would suffice, but a TRUTH and REPARATION council is a political tool to smear the excellent work of President Jammeh which we are all enjoying and living with today.
Or perhaps it’s another fountain to collect money from donors, spend it on lucrative offices and equipment, cars, travelling expenditures and per diem emoluments. Just as the USELESS Commission of Inquiries that is dipping into our meagre resources with expenditures on rent, office equipment, personnel, travelling expenditures and per diem emoluments.
While there continues to exist the agonizing energy/water outages and shortages, while prices for basic food commodities continue to rise, while FISH our most essential condiment lacks in the markets, while crime and armed banditry continue to rise at an alarming rate; the taxpayers’ money is deliberately squandered on wasteful activities that have no positive bearing on the livelihood of our people; women, men, young and old.
Do you see anything positive done by this government? Anything at all?
A step in the right direction. Finally the Sandengs, the Mannehs, the Lowes, the Jammehs and many other families can go to bed with the firm believe that those responsible for the death of their loved ones will be held accountable for their actions. The long arm of the law will finally creep ever closer to the Kanilai beast and his band of murderers, thieves, torturers and rapist in their hide outs. Who in their right minds would call for reconciliation without the truth of what happened and those wronged compensated? What happened to their proclamations of being true democrats? Jammeh’s die hard supporters are something else. They have no sense of justice, perspective or fair play but devils in human flesh.