Activist raises concern over recent presidential pardons

Jobe calls for a re-evaluation of such decisions in an earnest plea, emphasising the profound impact they will have on victims, survivors and the very fabric of Gambian society.

The presidential pardons, which have caused shock waves across the nation, have drawn the ire of women and girls who fear that justice is being undermined.

Advocating for the rights of his fellow countrywomen, Jobe lamented the potential consequences of commuting life sentences, asserting that it reopens the wounds of trauma for survivors.

“While granting pardons is a complex issue with legal intricacies, I cannot, in good conscience, ignore the profound impact this will have on victims and survivors, on our sense of safety and justice, and the fabric of our society,” she commented.

She argued that the message sent by these decisions is chilling, suggesting that the pain endured by victims is somehow less significant than the freedom granted to the perpetrators.

The women’s rights advocate questioned the equilibrium of justice when the scales tip so drastically in favour of offenders.

Furthermore, she highlights the disregard for the painstaking processes of investigation, prosecution and sentencing that led to these convictions in the first place, undermining the dedication of law enforcement and legal professionals who sought justice for the victims.

She declared: “The safety of women and girls cannot be compromised. These pardons create an environment where fear and vulnerability take root. How can we expect young girls to chase their dreams when the very streets they walk carry the shadows of unpunished violence? How can we build a just and equitable society when the scales of justice are so unevenly balanced?

Thus, Jobe challenges the government and the president to reconsider these pardons and engage in open dialogue that prioritizes the safety and well-being of victims and survivors.

While acknowledging The Gambia's strides attained by the nation in the justice sector, Jobe contends that these pardons feel like a giant leap backward. She calls on the nation to stand united, raising their voices against decisions that threaten the safety of women and girls.