From torture, forced disappearance and exile and even murder, many would agree that this was the status-quo under Jammeh’s regime, especially those he perceived to be his opponents. Evidence tendered at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to probe into the country’s dark past goes to show the endemic level of right violations committed under his watch.
It is disheartening to state here that some of these victims lost almost everything during the former regime. Some were forced to flee for their own safety, leaving their families behind, some who dared to stay in the country bore the brunt of Jammeh’s reign. After the completion of their findings and sittings thereafter, recommendation was made for these victims be paid reparations; for the abuses they suffered at the time.
A sum amounting to D50 million, was first paid to these victims sometime in July 2021. However, the balance amounting to D150 million is still pending in the shadows. With efforts to put the main culprit (Yahya Jammeh) alongside 90 other perpetrators on trial for the rights violation committed in the country, we call for the payment of this remaining reparation to victims before the actual start of the case.
It is now three years after the recommendation and the plight of these victims continues to thrive in the shadows.
Let’s remember, these victims are respected family heads and have other commitments to solve. We all know what it takes to shoulder family responsibility even in local settings. Expectations are very high. Imagine footing family needs from children’s school fees, to medical bills, rents and other pressing family issues; there is even more to this. The fact of the matter is, the wait is becoming too long and it is high time government did something about it. It should be recalled, according to the TRRC, former president Yahya Jammeh ordered the killing of 250 Gambians and West Africans.
Mr President, the Attorney General and minister for Justice – Dawda Jallow - sometime ago revealed that there will be special prosecutor's office and special tribunal and criminal division at the High Court. The question many of these victims are now asking is: How soonespecially since the Government of The Gambia has shown commitment to creating a special tribunal, which will work closely with ECOWAS to prosecute international crimes committed on Gambia soil. Victims who are eager to see Jammeh behind bars for all the atrocities committed during his time want to get latest news or developments about Jammeh’s possible trial?
Mr President good governance is the lifeblood of any progressive nation. Many, if not all, would agree that transparency, responsibility, accountability, participation and responsiveness are key attributes of good governance. Without these attributes, the desire to achieve greater citizen’s participation and ensuring transparency and accountability might be a far-fetched reality. To this end, we commend the Office of the Auditor General and the staff for a job well done in uncovering and exposing some of the financial irregularities in some government offices. Their untiring efforts and zeal to expose corruption signals their love for the country. Already, some reports have been handed to the police for further actions. And we hope all those who are found guilty for embezzling government funds would face justice without delay.
Finally, Mr President, the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is key in ending endemic corruption at all levels. It is important to state that this kind of mechanism has worked in some African countries, where corruption occurs on an epic scale.
Once people are aware of the consequences of the judgments of the ACC, they would think twice and consider corruption and ACC a no-go area. However, in an environment where there are no stringent measures to curtail it, corruption tends to serve as a manure that promotes ill growth and underdevelopment. And it appears that’s the path we are heading to. So, the country urgently needs this commission to serve as a watchdog to fight financial mismanagement and other corruptible acts.
With keen anticipation, people are calling for the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission in the country. This is in view of the fact that the manner and way some government officials squander public funds for their own personal gains is alarming.
Thus, people should always serve as whistleblowers and expose any financial malpractice and other acts of corruption where and whenever they manifest themselves. Ending corruption and other financial malpractice calls for concerted efforts by all. Let’s all play a part in eradicating it.
Good day!