Victims of Enforced Disappearance in The Gambia have renewed their call for justice and accountability for those culpable in the grave human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances committed during the former President Yahya Jammeh era.
The event held at the Alliance Française, Kanifing, on Monday was marked by a candlelight vigil as a reminder of hope and resilience, in keeping with the ‘Never Again’ mantra for Victims of Enforced Disappearance.
The commemoration was organized by WAVE-Gambia with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NDI).
The memorial and reflection event drew together survivors, families, legal representatives and people from different walks of life to discuss the implementation process of justice and accountability for Victims.
Jarra Suwareh, one of the victims of the April 10th and 11th students’ demonstrations, recounted the rights violations meted out on her during the demonstration.
“On that fateful day, I was arrested, beaten, and later taken to the PIU. There at the PIU, they deprived us of our rights and dignity,” whilst calling for justice and accountability into rights violations.
Martin Hackett, the Special Prosecutor tasked with leading investigations and prosecutions, said his office will pursue prosecution with justice for victims. He added that no crime will go unpunished.
Fatoumatta Sandeng, one of the Victims whose father was forcefully taken away on April 16, 2016, during a demonstration for proper electoral reform, shared the gruesome pains of Victims of Enforced Disappearance.
She further shared tearful memories of the remains of her father.
“When I saw his bones, I asked, is that my father?” She quizzed.
She described her father as a strong man and all what they could gather were “his bones. It was painful, but it gave us closure.” she said.
She added: “To families still waiting I know how you feel. I hope one day you will ha e the chance to bury your loved ones and say goodbye.”
“Despite the pain and trauma we go through, the event was a solidarity in the room. Victims cried, and other people came, and they supported. Community support is needed, and in terms of one step that is needed. We need to see Gambia recognize the pain of those who lost their loved ones,” she said.
She said the government needs to acknowledge the pain of Victims of Enforced Disappearance and expedite the process for Justice and prosecutions.
“What we need for Victims of Enforced Disappearance, especially those who were exhumed in the November 11, 1994 incident, is for the government to fast-track and do the needful for prosecutions.”
Awa Njie, also a victim of Enforced Disappearance, said reparations alone “are not enough. We want to see justice and meaningful action.”
The event concluded with a tour of exhibitions of disappeared loved ones, as part of efforts to reinforce the Never Again mantra.
