Features|Crimes Against HumanityGambian Jammeh-era victims seek ‘real justice’ beyond reparationsSurvivors of rights abuses under ex-leader Jammeh say money is not enough and he must be held accountable for crimes.
## The Gambia's Transitional Justice and Reparations
The Gambia's Transitional Justice and Reparations
Yahya Jammeh ruled The Gambia from 1994 to 2017, following a military coup. His regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances. After Jammeh fled to Equatorial Guinea in 2017, The Gambia established the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to address crimes committed during his rule.
Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC)
The TRRC documented thousands of human rights violations, identified perpetrators, and recommended reparations for victims and criminal prosecutions. The Gambian government has since initiated a reparations program, allocating 40 million dalasi (approximately $550,000) over five years to compensate victims.
Compensation is being disbursed in phases, starting with the earliest violations. Some victims have received monetary reparations, although many argue that true justice requires accountability for those responsible for the abuses.
Bringing Jammeh and other perpetrators to justice remains a complex issue. While some individuals have been prosecuted, others, including Jammeh, are outside the reach of Gambian courts. The Gambia is working with ECOWAS to establish a hybrid Special Tribunal to try perpetrators, including Jammeh, if he returns to the country.
Yahya Jammeh ruled The Gambia from 1994 to 2017, following a military coup.
In 2024, The Gambia passed legislation to create a Special Prosecutor’s Office and Special Accountability Mechanisms to prosecute crimes identified by the TRRC. International courts have also acted, with former officials being convicted in Switzerland and Germany.
According to the Reparations Commission, 1,009 victims have been identified for reparations. Of these, 248 have been fully compensated, while 707 have received partial payments. However, many families are still awaiting justice and closure.
The Gambia continues its transition from dictatorship to democracy, with a focus on addressing past human rights abuses. The establishment of accountability mechanisms and ongoing reparations signify progress, but the process remains slow and challenging for many survivors and their families.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
