Legal professionals and government officials gathered Friday at the Gambia Bar Association office in Kanifing. The meeting addressed proposed legislation for a Special Tribunal targeting crimes identified by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. Civil society representatives joined lawyers to evaluate how the accountability system would operate. The forum examined potential effects on victims and institutions affected by past violations. Finance Manager Awa Joof Peters noted the Bar Association has collaborated with the Justice Ministry since democratic transition began.
Attorney General representative Mariama Singhateh outlined government responses to TRRC findings. Officials accepted 263 recommendations while rejecting only two proposals concerning Ousman Sowe and Sana Sabally. The hybrid tribunal model adopts lessons from international cases like the Hissène Habré prosecution in Senegal. ECOWAS will partner with Gambian authorities to implement the mechanism. The Special Tribunal will address torture, disappearances, sexual crimes, and the deaths of West African migrants during the former regime.
Attorney General representative Mariama Singhateh outlined government responses to TRRC findings. Officials accepted 263 recommendations while rejecting only two proposals concerning Ousman Sowe and Sana Sabally. The hybrid tribunal model adopts lessons from international cases like the Hissène Habré prosecution in Senegal. ECOWAS will partner with Gambian authorities to implement the mechanism. The Special Tribunal will address torture, disappearances, sexual crimes, and the deaths of West African migrants during the former regime.
