Gambia Seeks ECOWAS Support for Special Court to Address Crimes Committed During Jammeh’s Regime

By Modou L. Badjie

The Gambia has formally sought support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the establishment of a special court aimed at addressing crimes committed during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh between 1994 and 2016. The move aligns with the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

The country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow, led a delegation to discuss this much anticipated judicial reform with ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray in Abuja, Nigeria. The envisioned court is a crucial step towards justice and accountability for human rights violations.

During the meeting, Minister Jallow and the delegation engaged in extensive discussions with President Touray, along with other key figures such as the President of the Court of Justice of ECOWAS, the Honourable Judge Edward Amoako Asante, and the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah.

The Attorney General, through this visit, officially formalised The Gambia’s request for ECOWAS to provide support in implementing the judicial reform component of the TRRC recommendations. This marks a crucial step toward achieving justice and redress for the victims of human rights abuses during Jammeh’s rule.

In response to Minister Jallow’s request, President Touray affirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting The Gambia and other member states in initiatives aimed at benefiting citizens and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.