Promoting reparations and accountability: empowering communities in The Gambia

As transitional justice (TJ) processes continue to advance in The Gambia, it is worth noting that victims of human rights violations under the former Jammeh regime, particularly those in rural communities, have limited access to information and understanding of the TJ processes. This is coupled with the burden of trauma from their past experiences. As such, there is a need to support communities to understand the pathways for seeking accountability and ensuring their active participation in the processes.

From 17th to 22nd October 2024, Think Young Women conducted training and engagement sessions in Basse (Upper River Region), Njau (Central River Region) and Essau (North Bank Region) of The Gambia. These sessions targeted victims, youth and other community stakeholders, such as members of the Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) supporting government institutions.  The two-day engagements in each region brought together 75 people across the three regions, focusing on the state of the country’s TJ processes including reparations, available accountability mechanisms, and psychosocial support.

Supported by the Office of Global Criminal Justice, through the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) under the “Enhancing Inclusive and Victim-Centered Accountability and Transitional Justice in The Gambia” project, the training sought to strengthen participants’ understanding of the different forms of accountability, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to engage in and monitor government efforts to address past human rights violations and contribute to the ultimate objective to ensure justice for victims and reinforce The Gambia’s commitment to accountability.

Ms. Saffiatou Nyang, representing the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice, was one of the trainers. She guided participants through the available accountability mechanisms, providing detailed insights into judicial and non-judicial options, including the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), and the provisions outlined in the Victims Reparation Act. She also highlighted the importance of institutions such as the Special Accountability Mechanism (SAM), the Special Prosecution Office (SPO), and the Janneh Commission in ensuring justice

The modules were tailored to address the diverse categories of victimhood in The Gambia, recognising that victimhood statuses range from those affected by the witch hunt exercises, victims of political affiliations to victims of the April 10th and 11th 2000 student demonstrations and more. Through these engagements, participants developed accountability strategies that address their unique needs, expectations, and demands.

The training also included modules on psychosocial support, addressing the impact of trauma and stress on victims and their families, and providing practical coping strategies such as breathing exercises and meditation. This holistic approach not only equipped participants with knowledge about seeking justice but also gave them tools to manage their mental health and well-being, which are both crucial for those recovering from deep, long-term trauma

Through these engagements, participants shared valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by victims, particularly those in remote areas. For many, securing reparations and achieving reconciliation are paramount. It was also highlighted that women and children of victims face particular difficulties: many have lost their fathers and husbands, while others continue to endure stigmatisation. These realities are further exacerbated by entrenched socio-cultural gender norms that hinder women victims and other vulnerable populations from living health and dignified lives and securing their livelihoods.

Through this project and other initiatives, Think Young Women continues to w

ork with its partners and stakeholders to highlight the struggles and needs of women and other vulnerable groups in broader development efforts in The Gambia, advocating for inclusive processes and meaningful engagement at all levels.