Hundreds of Gambians seek for Justice over Jammeh’s human rights abuses
Hundreds of Gambians on Saturday 25th January marched on the outskirts of the capital, Banjul demanding for justice over the human rights abuses, including forced disappearances, rape, and murder which occurred during ousted dictator Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule.
“We want justice and we want it immediately,” shouted the demonstrators, who wore t-shirts with #justicemustprevail and holding photos of loved ones who died or disappeared under Jammeh’s rule.
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According to the demonstrators, they lost many of their loved ones during his reign and thus they also demand that Jammeh’s former Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction party (APRC) is abolished and banned for good.
Jammeh ruled the Gambia with an iron fist but fled in January 2017 after losing a presidential election to relative unknown Adama Barrow which he refused to acknowledge before later being forced out of power by a popular uprising.
He was forced out after losing to Adama Barrow in the 2016 presidential election. Jammeh initially had refused to leave but was later forced out when Gambians ran out on the streets to rise against him.
“We are sending a message to the government to act fast, because… justice delayed is justice denied. Yahya Jammeh should be arrested and put on trial,” the demonstrators added.
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“We are calling on the government to ban the APRC from taking part in active politics. We want justice and we want it immediately.”
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Last week, thousands of Jammeh’s staunch supporters marched on the outskirts of Banjul demanding his return from exile in Equatorial Guinea, as tensions heighten over Barrow’s decision to stay in office for five years — reversing a previous pledge to step down after three.
According to Jammeh’s supporters, Jammeh has a right to return under a joint statement from the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations, published at the time of his exile.
However, Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou responded to their demand arguing that Jammeh would face immediate arrest and charges of the most serious kind if he returned, including crimes against humanity.
Where it all comes from?
Nyima Sonko, 42, the widow of Solo Sandeng, a political activist who was arrested and tortured to death after he led a protest march for electoral reform proposed the directive to the government to ensure they have equality.
Besides, many others close to 190 witnesses have appeared before a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) set up to investigate abuses under Jammeh’s rule.
By John Dalton Kigozi
