Officials in The Gambia on Thursday announced that a Truth and Reconciliation Commission will soon be set up following the exit of former longtime leader Yahya Jammeh.
The commission’s work will primarily offer some compensation to individuals who suffered torture, molestation and other crimes including killings under Mr. Jammeh’s regime.
In a statement the country’s Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou said the government will also investigate the finances of Jammeh.
The former Gambian leader was forced into exile this year after he refused to peacefully give up power despite losing last year’s presidential elections to the current President Adama Barrow.
Mr. Jammeh is currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea.
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The Justice minister said “A Truth and Reconciliation Commission with appropriate reparations for victims will be set up within the next six months and public hearings will be expected to commence by the end of the year,”
People are to be encouraged to confess crimes committed under Yahya Jammeh as well as victims getting the opportunity to talk about the injustices they suffered during his presidency.
New reforms have been taking place in The Gambia as the new government makes efforts to restore order and rule of law.
The new government is also getting support from donors and foreign development partners to boost the country’s economy.
Source: Africafeeds.com