The
Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) on Wednesday, April 29
submitted its interim report to Government. At a small ceremony held at the
Ministry of Justice, TRRC Chair Dr. Lamin Sise handed over copies of the report
to Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou for onward transmission to President
Barrow.
Handing
over the report, Dr. Sise apologized for the slight delay in submission but
expressed delight that the Commission has now finished work on the interim
report and will now focus on completing its mandate and working on the final
report. He reminded the Minister that per the provisions of the TRRC Act, the
Interim Report just covers the Commission’s activities during its first year of
existence and does not contain any recommendations. The recommendations will be
part of the final report of the Commission.
Receiving
the Interim Report on behalf of President Barrow, Minister Tambadou thanked
Chairman Sise and all the Commissioners and staff of the TRRC for what he
called the wonderful job they have done so far. The TRRC, he said “has set the
bar so high as far as transitional justice and truth commissions are concerned
around the world.” Minister Tambadou assured the TRRC team that he would duly
transmit the report to the President and would do all he can to continue
supporting the important work the Commission is doing.
In
brief remarks, TRRC Executive Secretary Baba Galleh Jallow said the Commission
is grateful for the continued support of the Gambia Government and the Justice
Minister in particular, and especially for their non-interference in the work
of the Commission. He said the fact that there is no government interference in
the Commission’s work is particularly important because it safeguards the
integrity of the TRRC process.
The
brief handing over ceremony was attended by Mr. Hussein Thomasi, Special
Adviser to the Justice Minster and TRRC Deputy Executive Secretary Musu Bakoto
Sawo.
The
Interim Report is available on the TRRC website (www.trrc.gm) and Facebook
page.
