Chapter 1 : Human Rights Violations by state security agents - User Friendly Summary : Gov. White Paper

Could you imagine a government's unchecked power leading to a saga of human rights abuses? Uncover the harrowing truth as we examine The Gambia's struggle with such a past. This episode takes you through the rocky journey from the 1994 military coup to the relentless rule of President Yaya Jammeh. We dissect the grim findings of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission, including enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. This isn't just history; it's a lesson in the resilience of a nation seeking justice and accountability.

Listen as we discuss the ambitious roadmap laid out by The Gambia, targeting sweeping reforms from 2023 to 2027. We cut through the legal jargon to bring you the essence of the TRRC's recommendations, from prosecuting the guilty to overhauling the nation's security apparatus. Human rights, the rule of law, and a commitment to never repeating the mistakes of the past take center stage in this compelling narrative. With voices from the ground, experts, and those who lived through the ordeal, this episode promises an unflinching look at The Gambia's quest to reconcile its dark history with a more just future.

Transcript

Speaker 2: 0:20

Thank you. Chapter 1. Human Right Violation by State Security Agents TRRC Findings. What Happened On July 22, 1994, a military junta, the Gambia Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council, afprc, composed of young soldiers, 1st Lieutenant Yaya Jame, second Lieutenant Sana Sabali, second Lieutenant Edward Singate, second Lieutenant Sadi Buhaydera and Second Lieutenant Yankwo Ture, ended the democratic government of the First Republic of the Gambia as soon as they assumed power.

Speaker 2: 1:00

The Junta government suspended the 1970 constitution and thus ruled the country by decree, an official that becomes a law, without the checks and balance of the National Assembly until 1996. This government committed severe atrocities, ranging from arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, tortures, extrajudicial killings and many other inhumane and degrading treatment of political party leaders, government officials, security officers and the ordinary Gambian citizen. The military government caused the killing of late Ousmane Korosise, the former Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, as well as the military officers who were accused of attempting to overthrow the Junta on November 11, 1994. The ruling Junta, the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council AFPRC, transformed itself into an official political party, the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction APRC, to support Jamme's campaign for the presidency. Consequently, a referendum was held on August 8, 1996, leading to the adoption of the second constitution and subsequently a presidential election was held in september 1996, in which yaya jam emerged as the winner, assuring in civilian rule.

Speaker 2: 2:34

The aprc, led by the former president yaya jame, continued to rule the country with an iron fist and commit gross human rights violations through the state security agents and a squad established by him, namely the junglers. The convoy of the president and the killing of the West African migrants were also mediums through which gross human rights violations occurred. When did it happen? From 1994 to 2016,. Who are the perpetrators? The Junta government, afprc and security forces, military, the police and the National Intelligence Agency.

Speaker 1: 3:18

TRRC Recommendation and Government Commitment. What is recommended? The TRRC recommends and the government accepts the following Commendation and Government Commitment. What is recommended? The TRLC recommends and the government accepts the following 1. Prosecution of junta government and security officials found wanting. 2. Enact laws to limit the privileges of the president's convoy. 3. Banning of low-level perpetrators from holding public office, of low-level perpetrators from holding public office. Four security reforms and trainings of security forces agents, including on human rights. Five institutional reforms for state security forces, such as the police, military intelligence agencies, etc. Set up a task force to investigate cases of enforced disappearances. When is the recommendations implementation period? From 2023 to 2027. Which institutions are responsible for the implementation? Moj, special Prosecution Office. Office of the President, gambia Police Force. Gambia Armed Forces. Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. Ministry of Defense. Ministry of Interior. National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority. National Center for Civic Education. National Human Rights Commission. National Center for.

Speaker 1: 5:22

Arts and Culture, Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat, National Assembly, Law Reforms Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, Children's and Social Welfare, Judiciary and National Road Authority. Thank you.