President Barrow says government will study TRRC report for appropriate action

781

By BABOUCARR CEESAY

The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Mr Adama Barrow has said that his government will study the report of Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC) carefully for appropriate action.

Barrow who advised all Gambians to exercise restraint was speaking on Thursday, November, 25, 2021 at State House in Banjul when the Chairman of TRRC Dr Lamin Sise presented the final report of the commission to him.

He added that his government will inform the general public of its position on the TRRC report in a White Paper that will be published within six months from the day of its presentation to him.

He specially felicitated witnesses and their families for their fortitude and courageous testimonies, while assuring them that his government will ensure that justice is done

He also urged them to be patient and allow the legal process to take its course.

“That way, justice will prevail, and we will be able to heal as a country and move forward united and stronger, with greater determination,” he said.

Barrow who received the TRC report said the event highlights another milestone in the implementation process of thee transition programme which marks a great achievement for the Gambian nation.

“On reflection, it is a source of pride that, in 2017, my government took the wise decision to establish the TRRC through an Act of the National Assembly. As contained in its mandate, the Commission was to investigate human rights and other abuses committed from 1994 to 2016 in order to bring about justice and accountability, healing and reconciliation among Gambians, and to effect reparations for deserving victims,” said President Barrow.

According to him, like the National Human Rights Commission, the Constitutional Review Commission, the Security Sector Reform and Civil Service Reform, the setting up of this Commission is an essential but unique aspect of The Gambia’s Transitional Justice Programme, hence the importance of its work.

Barrow stated that many African countries have established Truth Commissions, in one form or another, to provide a platform for victims of human rights abuses to relay their stories, hold perpetrators accountable and determine reparation packages, where necessary.

He noted that the Gacaca Courts of Rwanda is an example. Despite the genocide, the people have reconciled their differences, and are now working together to develop their country.

He said the Rwandese people having realised that they could not undo the past, the factions that killed and maimed one another’s families knew that the right thing to do was to bury the hatchet and work together to build a better future as one people.

He pointed out that this is an experience that Gambia can learn from.

Here in The Gambia, he said the Commission was mandated to get to the bottom of human rights abuses, uncover the truth to guarantee a clear historical record of what transpired in our beloved country and submit recommendations on reparations for deserving victims.

The president said through the TRRC, Gambians now know what happened on Gambian soil in the past.

He further said although the country have decided to unearth the truth, the desire is to create a path for healing and reconciliation, with the goal of co-existing peacefully as Gambians.

He indicated that if Gambia choose to do so, peeople can live together in peace and harmony, without any form of injustice, and nurture the young democracy in a stable nation where the rule of law prevails in the best interest of all.

“Under the leadership of the Chairman, Dr. Lamin Sise, I commend all the Commissioners, the Legal team, the Secretariat and the whole TRRC team for running the Commission’s affairs during its months of work. I thank you all for carrying out this national task successfully,” He hailed.

He expressed profound thanks and gratitude to the United Nations, the Peace Building Support Office in New York, UNDP and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for providing the initial grant to sustain the Commission.

He acknowledged that the support of the partners made it possible to establish a credible transitional justice process and devise suitable mechanisms that would promote reconciliation and sustainable peace in The Gambia.

He said building the capacity of the Government and national stakeholders, through the Peace Building Fund, has contributed to the successes realised in pursuit of our reform agenda.

Barrow also thanked other partners, such as the International IDEA, the International Centre for Transitional Justice, the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, and Justice Rapid Response, as well as a host of other local civil society organisations, such as FLAG, TANGO and the Bar Association, also deserve commendation.

On behalf of his government, he further admitted their obligation to the TRRC team for accepting to undertake this important national assignment and carrying it out diligently and successfully.