By Olimatou Coker
Martin Hackett, Special Prosecutor for The Gambia, tasked with leading investigations and prosecutions into alleged human rights violations and serious crimes committed during Jammeh’s rule, has pledged to pursue justice for victims.
Addressing a large gathering of victims and families of enforced disappearances at a memorial and reflection event hosted by WAVE-Gambia yesterday at Alliance Française, Hackett said his office will pursue prosecutions with “respect, sensitivity and care” guided by a “do no harm” principle.
“We may made mistakes, but we will be honest with you, and will do our best on your behalf,” he assured victims.
The special prosecutor said he was struck by the dignity of victims during recent consultations with the Reparations Commission across the country.
The gathering was in commemoration of the International Day for Victims of Enforced Disappearances and it brought together survivors, families, civil society and officials to confront The Gambia’s most painful legacy documented by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
Inadequate funds for reparations
Meanwhile Badara Loum, of the Reparations Commission, said the Commission’s mandate is to deliver reparations, but resources remain limited.
“The victims expect a lot from us. Unfortunately, the resources at our disposal are limited. We are managing them to ensure equitable distribution,” he said.
In a tearful testimony, Fatoumatta Sandeng, daughter of the late Solo Sandeng, described the pain she and other victims feel each day they gather together.
“When you are in a room where everyone lost a husband, father or child, you can’t help but cry,” she said.
“Here, I am not an activist. I am simply a daughter who lost her father,” she said.
Sandeng called herself an “advantaged victim” because her family was able to recover and bury part of her father’s remains after seven years.
“When I saw his bones, I asked, ‘Is that my father?’ He was strong and great, and yet all we could gather were his bones. It was painful, but it gave us closure,” she said. “To families still waiting: I know how you feel. I hope one day you will have the chance to bury your loved ones and say goodbye.”
Enforced disappearances remain among the gravest violations documented by the TRRC.
For families, the day was both remembrance and a renewed demand for the implementation of the TRRC recommendations now, deliver reparations, prosecute perpetrators, and ensure such crimes never happen again.
WAVE-Gambia said the event was meant to amplify victims’ voices and push for full implementation of TRRC recommendations on accountability, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence.