Victims of former Gambian leader want him prosecuted

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By OUSMAN A. MARONG

Hundreds of Gambians took to the street on Saturday demanding for the prosecution of ex-President Yahya Jammeh and the banning or suspension of his party Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC).

Jammeh ruled The Gambia with an iron fist for 22 years until his defeat in December 2016 now in exile in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The ‘Jammeh to Justice March’ commenced from Westfield Junction to the regional office of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) along Kairaba Avenue in Kanifing with protesters carrying different banners of different victims.

The protest drew victims of the former regime, families, civil society groups, politicians and other well-wishers.

The APRC on January 16, 2020 protested for the return of the former Gambian leader and submitted their petition to ECOWAS.

Mr. Sheriff M. Kijera, the Chairman of the board of director at the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violation (GCVHRV) said they want the government to impose a ban or suspension on the APRC party until the ongoing TRRC process is concluded.

Reading the petition containing the points they want government to ac upon, he added that they want the government to condemn any threats towards victims, and take appropriate legal measures for remedy.

Kijera called for the arrest and prosecute ex-President Yahya Jammeh whenever he steps foot in this country, stating that victims want the government to consult them on issues that affect them before making a decision.

He urged government to immediately begin consultation with the regional and international bodies to bring Jammeh to justice.

Fatou Sowe, a widow of the late Sergeant Fafa Nyang who was allegedly executed November 11, 1994 said she took part in the protest to march in condemnation of the recent call for Jammeh to come.

She said she want Jammeh to be back and face justice for his crimes.

Madina Njie, a niece to late Lamin Marong of the United Democratic Party (UDP) said the government is not doing much in bringing Jammeh to justice.

“The government is not doing much and we won’t allow the demise of our loved ones to go in vain,” she said.

Nyima Sonko, the wife of late Solo Sandeng who died in custody after leading an electoral reform protest in The Gambia on April 14, 2016 said the government is using APRC as their campaign tool to canvass vote.

She said Jammeh should be arrested and be taken to court whether he comes home or not.

The daughter of late Haruna Jammeh who was allegedly strangled and murdered by members Jammeh’s hit squad called ‘Junglers’ said the police were irresponsible when they granted APRC a permit to protest for the return of Jammeh.

Madi Jobarteh , human rights activist said: “We want the government to address what has taken place in the past and that is the only way they can build the future.”

Mr. Jobarteh said the government did not take any step to bring Jammeh to face justice.

He added: “The reason why APRC militants have the power to come out and protest is that we have a weak government and they don’t mind what has taken place in the past.”

Muhammed Sanding, the son of late Solo Sanding said he joined the protesters to support the idea of bringing Jammeh back to the Gambia and face justice.

Mr. Sanding called on the government to take more proactive measures to ensure that Jammeh faces justice.

Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, leader for UDP said former President Jammeh has the right to come back to the Gambia.

“This is what we want. We want Jammeh to be prosecuted in The Gambia or the international criminal court. This demonstration is showing that we are not in disagreement with those who said Jammeh should come. Let him come and face prosecution. There is no reason for Jammeh not to be prosecuted,” he said.

Omar Amadou Jallow alias OJ, formrt leader of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said Jammeh’s regime was marred with gross violation of people’s right.

He said he came out to show solidarity with the victims because he was a victim of the Jammeh regime, explaining that he was abducted months and tortured by security personnel who damaged one of his eyes.

“Jammeh is a tormentor. APRC should ask for forgiveness from Gambians. We won’t sit and allow them glorify Jammeh,” he said.

Ebrima Sankareh, government spokesperson who received the victims’ petition on behalf of President Barrow said: “I’ve been one of strongest advocates calling for Jammeh’s day in court; there is no doubt about that.”