Gambia to launch inquiry into Jammeh’s alleged crimes

By Mustapha K. Darboe

BANJUL, Gambia (AA) - Gambia’s justice minister said Thursday that the government would set up within the next six months a commission of inquiry to look into alleged crimes of former President Yahya Jammeh including killings and disappearances during his 22-year rule.

The commission will also look into the financial and business related activities of Jammeh following consultations with President Adama Barrow, Sheriff Tambadou told a press conference in the capital, Banjul.

The Gambian police last month opened an investigation into the finances of Jammeh, who was accused of stealing at least 4 billion dalasi (over $44 million) of taxpayers’ funds.

Tambadou also heralded the opening of a "truth and reconciliation commission with appropriate reparations for victims" within the next six months.

“Public hearing will be expected to commence by the end of the year,” he said.

There are currently about nine former intelligent agents under Jammeh facing trial over murder charges.

Although Tambadou said his ministry was not ready to deal with such cases because of their complexity in nature, he insisted they would continue the prosecutions of those already before the courts for alleged crimes under the former strongman.

He also said he would make a case for the abolishment of the death penalty in the Gambian constitution, which is expected to be reformed following April 6 parliamentary elections.

Under Jammeh, thousands of journalists, political opponents and ordinary citizens were jailed without trial or simply disappeared.