Victims Demand Reparations and Prosecution as MoJ Reveals Over D20 Million Disbursed

Victim Center engages stakeholders. © Askanwi

By Haddy Ceesay

The Gambia’s Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations, commonly called the Victim Centre, is well into its musical caravan in the northern section of the Central River Region (CRR) in its quest to raise awareness of the government’s White Paper responding to the Recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

During its tour, victims continued to demand reparations and prosecution of perpetrators identified in the report. Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice has responded to a parliamentary inquiry on the government’s disbursement of funds to the newly established Reparations Commission.

The caravan, held under the theme “Implementation of the Government White Paper is Key to Reconciliation”, sought to engage victims of human rights violations under the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.

During the stop in Ballangharr, several victims expressed frustration over the lack of reparations for many affected families. They also raised concerns that perpetrators identified by the TRRC remain unpunished, with some still working within government or living freely abroad.

Relatives of the late Dot Faal, Fafa Njange, Matarr Jobe, and Katim Touray said they are still struggling with grief while those responsible for their loved ones’ deaths enjoy impunity.

Lanying Faal, brother to the late Dot Faal, voiced his disappointment:

“Those who were identified by the TRRC should face justice. Many perpetrators are still in government, while others are abroad living freely. Yet we, the victims, are still mourning the disappearance of our loved ones. If former President Jammeh returns without facing justice, it will divide The Gambia. You cannot expect us to reconcile with people who killed our family members.”

Ousainou Touray, another victim from CRR, noted that while full compensation is impossible, reparations would at least serve as a reminder of their losses:

“We know we can’t be compensated 100%, but something must be given to us as recognition. People talk about reconciliation, but how do you reconcile when the man who killed your father drives past you freely while you are left with pain? That is not fair.”

Stakeholder engages in discussions © Askanwi

The family of Dot Faal also stressed that they are still in mourning, demanding clarity about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of their loved ones.

Responding to these concerns, Kebba Jome, National Coordinator of the Victim Centre, assured victims that reparations will be disbursed before the end of the year:

“The Reparations Commission has already been established to distribute compensation to all registered victims, and we are continuing documentation to ensure that those who were never registered before are now included.”

Mr Jome further explained that the TRRC recommended the prosecution of 69 individuals. He pointed out that some cases are already underway, citing the prosecution of Bai Lowe, Ousman Sonko, and Michael Correa.

Despite these assurances, victims in CRR continue to demand not only reparations but also justice, stressing that without accountability, reconciliation will remain incomplete.

Stakeholders being engaged during the tour © Askanwi

Over D20 Million out of D30 Million Disbursed

During the Third Ordinary Session of the 2025 Legislative Year, the Justice Minister, Hon. Dawda Jallow, was questioned by Hon. Modou Lamin B. Bah of Banjul North about the disbursement of Reparations to the recently established Reparations Commission in 2025. Speaking on 10th September 2025, Hon. Jallow revealed that D30 million was allocated to be spent on the Commission this year, with D10 million allocated to fund the Commission’s operational and personnel emoluments, while D20 million was allocated for the payment of reparations.

However, to date only D5.3 million has been disbursed for the Reparations Commission’s operations, while D17.5 million has been disbursed to the Commission for reparations. This brings it to a total of D22.8 million disbursed to the Reparations Commission out of the total D30 million for 2025.

According to the justice minister, the funds are now with the Reparations Commission, and payments should be disbursed within the remaining 3 and a half months.

Our follow-up story of the tour will delve into the government’s efforts to progress prosecution of the 69 individuals identified in the report as perpetrators.