“It is the right of every victim and survivor under international law to be duly compensated whenever it is the right thing to do.”
The president talked about the need to heal the wounds for national unity, affirming that: “If there are no serious attempts to heal the wounds of the past for the sake of national healing in The Gambia, we may never find closure and move forward in unity to attain our development goals.”
“On behalf of the Government and People of The Gambia, therefore, I congratulate you, the members of the Reparations Commission, on your selection and appointment as Commissioners.”
He described the establishment of the Commission as a historic development, while challenging the commissioners that it’s now their responsibility to effectively set it in motion. “The task ahead is huge, and it means a lot not only for the victims and survivors, but also for the entire nation. Your work is particularly of interest to all those who continue to study and support our commendable transitional justice programme.”
“Fortunately, the Victims Reparations Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that provides you with adequate powers and direction to carry out your mandate fairly and squarely.”
“Whilst you are recognised as an independent Commission and shall be allowed to exercise your mandate without any interference from my government, I take this moment to assure you that you can count on us, whenever necessary,” he assured.
“As evidence of this, I am pleased to disclose that my administration will commit funds annually to the Reparations Fund. Furthermore, we will support your efforts to mobilise additional resources, technical and financial, for the smooth operations of the Commission.”
“In a similar stance, let me reassure all the victims and survivors who have waited for too long to receive reparations that, on a brighter note, today marks another milestone in the dispensation of justice in The Gambia. My government acknowledges the crimes committed against you, together with the suffering that you and your families and communities have been going through all these years.”
“We maintain that you should not have been treated in the harsh manner inflicted upon you. Consequently, my government will do its best to address your plight. To guarantee their success, I urge you to rally behind the Commission and its leadership.”
