Banjul, 14th April 2025: His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Friday, April 11 presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the commissioners of the newly established Reparations Commission.
The Commission was set up following the submission of the TRRC’s Report, which recommended for its establishment.
From 2019 to 2021, The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) investigated various human rights violations committed by the former regime from July 1994 to January 2017. The TRRC heard directly from over three hundred and ninety (390) witnesses, many of whom were victims and survivors of those violations.
In its final report, the TRRC concluded that grave human rights violations and crimes were committed in the country during the twenty-two-year period of the former regime.
In his address of the swearing ceremony, the President assured that his government has committed itself to ensuring that all persons responsible for the reported wrongs and crimes be removed from office, banned from holding public office, or prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He reaffirmed his position on the payment of reparations for both the victims and survivors of the said human rights violations. “The issue of reparation remains one of my government’s highest priorities on our transitional justice programme. We strongly believe that reparation is a moral and legal obligation, based on the principles of justice and fairness. It is the right of every victim and survivor under international law to be duly compensated whenever it is the right thing to do”.
The President therefore congratulated the members of the Reparations Commission, on their selection and appointment as commissioners. He however cautioned them that the task ahead is huge, and that it means a lot not only for the victims and survivors, but also for the entire nation. “Your work is particularly of interest to all those who continue to study and support our commendable transitional justice programme,” he added, describing the establishment of the Commission is a historic development.
He disclosed that his administration will commit funds annually to the Reparations Fund and will support efforts to mobilise additional resources, technical and financial, for the smooth operations of the Commission.
Dr. Badara Loum, Chairperson of the Reparation Commission commended the President for having the political will and commitment to initiate and implementing the national transitional justice agenda.
He expressed confidence that the TRRC initiative will prevent such atrocities committed in the past in the country, while the reparations initiative will enhance closure and healing.
The Chairman assured that his team will do their best to efficiently carry out their mandate.
The swearing in ceremony was attended by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Justice, cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.
The members of the Reparation Commission are: Dr Badara Loum, Chairperson; Isatou Ndow, Vice Chairperson; Abdou A. Manneh, commissioner; Dr. Babanding Daffeh, commissioner; Saffiatou Touray, commissioner; and Ebou Faye Njie, commissioner.
By Lamin Kujabi
