Gambia’s TRRC Allocates D205 Million in Reparations

TRRC Reparations Press Conference - Chairperson Sise and Vice Chair Sosseh © Askanwi

By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT

The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) has announced that a total of D205,820,780 has been earmarked for reparations. This was revealed at a press briefing held on 16th July 2021.

According to TRRC Vice-Chairperson Ms Adelaide Sosseh, while many claims were legitimate, some “were really not victims”, and the Commission will be notifying those individuals that they do not qualify for compensation.

TRRC Chairperson Dr Lamin J. Sise emphasised that “victim perpetrators” will not receive reparations. When asked to clarify who qualifies as a victim perpetrator, Ms Sosseh explained:

“That’s when someone was a perpetrator—perhaps they tortured others—but later became a victim themselves, maybe by being imprisoned or tortured. You cannot have victimised others and then expect compensation.”

The TRRC was established by the Gambian Parliament in 2017 to investigate human rights violations committed under former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime (1994–2016). During its public hearings, over 392 witnesses testified, creating a historical record of abuses during Jammeh’s rule.

Government Fails to Fulfill Second D50 Million Commitment

Vice-Chair Sosseh revealed that the government had initially provided D50 million for reparations, with a promise of an additional D50 million—a promise that was not fulfilled.

“The second payment was never made, for reasons beyond our control,” she said.

Of the first D50 million, D20 million was set aside for urgent interim reparations. However, only D13 million was used, leaving D37 million available to distribute among 1,000 verified victims.

For 198 victims who were awarded D50,000 or less, full payments were made upfront.

“Paying pro-rata on amounts below D50,000 wouldn’t make sense—those victims received the full amount right away,” Ms Sosseh explained.

The remaining 758 victims, who qualified for more than D50,000 based on the severity of their cases—such as unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and inhumane treatment—will be paid on a pro-rata basis.

The government’s current shortfall in reparations is D168,820,000, covering victims who are yet to be fully compensated.

Payments are being disbursed through the Victim Support Unit (VSU). For victims in remote areas, the VSU has been travelling to their communities to ensure accessibility.

Press at the TRRC Reparations Press Conference © Askanwi

D32 Million Set Aside for 54 West African Migrants

The Commission also addressed the 2005 killings of 54 West African migrants in The Gambia. Vice-Chair Sosseh confirmed that D32 million has been allocated for these victims.

Chairperson Sise explained:

“This large figure reflects the fact that these individuals were unlawfully killed—the most serious violation under our criteria. Compensation for such cases is the highest.”

He added that the Gambian government has been advised to coordinate with the governments of the migrants’ countries to facilitate these payments.

The maximum payment to a single victim under the unlawful killing category is D600,000, though not all of that has been disbursed yet.

“The full amount hasn’t been received by the victims,” said Sosseh. “The remaining funds are to be paid by the government.”

Diaspora Support Remains Strong

Ms. Sosseh highlighted the strong support from the Gambian diaspora, praising their contributions to the Reparations Fund.

“The diaspora’s response has been phenomenal. During our engagement tour, we raised D899,000. Just yesterday, we received D88,000 from the Gambia Association in Norway. A month earlier, the Birmingham Association contributed D60,000.”

While local support has been more limited, she acknowledged key contributors, including the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Papa Njie of Unique Solutions, and the Gambia Ports Authority.

She closed with a heartfelt appeal:

“We urge associations and organisations abroad to continue supporting this cause. We must show empathy for the victims.”