Victims Calls for Respect for the Rule of Law and an End to Human Rights Violations
Victim Center engages Vivtims © Askanwi
By Haddy Ceesay
As part of the nationwide outreach on the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) recommendations, the Victim Center musical caravan visited Upper River Region (URR) North under the theme “Sensitisation of Victims on the Contents of the Government White Paper on the TRRC Recommendations to Enhance Justice and Accountability.”
During the outreach, victims in URR North gathered in large numbers to share their experiences and express concerns over the lack of government-led sensitisation efforts. They emphasised the need for respect for the rule of law and called for an end to unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and other human rights violations.
URR North is home to many victims of politically motivated abuses, particularly during the 14th and 16th April 2016 protests, as well as the Kalamaa Revolution on 9th May 2016.
On 14th April 2016, members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) staged a peaceful protest in Serrekunda (Westfield Junction), calling for electoral reforms ahead of the 2016 presidential elections. Demonstrators held placards reading “We need proper electoral reform and freedom of speech.”
The protest was violently disrupted by the Police Intervention Unit (PIU). Many protesters were arrested, including Solo Sandeng, the UDP’s National Organising Secretary. Tragically, Sandeng died in custody shortly after his arrest.
In response, a follow-up protest was held on 16th April 2016, demanding justice for Sandeng and the release of other detainees. Among those arrested during this protest was opposition leader Ousainou Darboe, along with 18 others, who were later sentenced to three years in prison on July 20, 2016.
Victim Center Ourteach Tour - Victim Community © Askanwi
Voices from the Ground
Momodou Manneh, a victim of the 14th April protest from Demba Wandu in Sandu District, shared his ordeal:
“I went through severe human rights violations during my arrest. It was beyond my control. The current government must learn from the mistakes of the past. We must stop violating people’s rights in the name of power. There should be no more arbitrary arrests or torture. These practices harm individuals and the nation. We say no to human rights violations.”
Kabba Darbo, from Darsilameh, the village of the late Solo Koroma, who was also arrested and tortured, praised the role of the Victim Center.
“The Victim Center and human rights organisations are doing a fabulous job. Without this sensitisation, many of us in the provinces would not even know about the TRRC recommendations or the Reparations Commission. Since the government released the White Paper, they have not reached out to victims in remote areas. Only the Victim Center and victim-led groups are engaging us. We demand enforcement of the law and an end to human rights violations.”
Victim Center Ourteach Tour - Victim Community © Askanwi
Mbowdu Barra, from Sutukonding, echoed the call for respect for the rule of law
“The law is for everyone. No one owns the law; it belongs to the people. The government must protect and uphold it. We should all abide by it. If your leg is broken, you can’t walk unless you heal. Likewise, a broken country needs justice to heal.”
The outreach by the Victim Center underscores the urgent need for continued civic education and community-level sensitisation on the TRRC recommendations and the government white paper. Victims continue to demand justice, accountability, and full implementation of the reparations process.
There is a growing consensus among affected communities that true reconciliation is only possible through justice and institutional reforms that prevent the recurrence of human rights abuses.
