#Headlines

Barrow urges patience as gov’t reviews TRRC report

Feb 9, 2022, 12:10 PM | Article By: Ali Jaw

President Adama Barrow on Sunday renewed his promise that he would release the White Paper about his government’s stance on the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) within 6 months, while urging Gambians to exercise restraint as government reviews the TRRC report.

Speaking at the court complex in Banjul on Sunday, President Barrow said: “You will recall that in December 2017, by an Act of the National Assembly, my government established the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to investigate and provide a fair and accurate historical record of the human rights violations committed in the country from July 1994 to January 2017.”

“We took this informed decision to establish the truth, promote accountability, deliver justice, mediate reconciliation and pay reparations, where necessary.”

The TRRC, he added, accorded the victims of injustice the opportunity to relate their experiences for redress, and it provided a platform for willing offenders to confess and repent, hoping this would bring about closure and healing to unite the nation.

“The TRRC completed its work and submitted its report to me on 25th November 2021. A White Paper will be released within six (6) months from the submission date to outline the Government’s position on the Commission’s findings and recommendations.”

He urged all Gambians to exercise restraint as his government continues reviewing the report to take suitable action and ensure that the “Never Again” mantra is entrenched in The Gambia.

By analysis the Barrow Administration has less than four months to deliver the promise, which many Gambians, in particular victims, await with great expectations.