Gambia appoints special prosecutor for Yahya Jammeh
A new chapter in justice
In a decisive move toward accountability, The Gambia appointed a special prosecutor to pursue crimes committed during the long rule of former strongman Yahya Jammeh. The announcement marked a turning point for a country still grappling with the legacy of fear, silence, and suffering that defined more than two decades of authoritarian rule. Nearly two years after the role was first created, British lawyer Martin Hackett was selected to lead the effort. His experience in war crimes, genocide, and counter-terrorism—particularly with the United Nations—signaled a serious commitment to justice.
Shadows of a brutal past
From 1994 to 2017, Jammeh’s regime cast a long and painful shadow over the nation. According to findings by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, between 240 and 250 people were killed by state forces. But the violence did not end there.
Stories emerged of torture chambers, forced disappearances, and bizarre “witch hunts” that terrorized communities. Nearly 400 witnesses came forward before the commission, recounting chilling experiences that painted a picture of systematic abuse and unchecked power.
The TRRC’s final report in 2021 recommended prosecuting Jammeh himself, along with 69 others accused of participating in these crimes.
Building the Machinery of Justice
Efforts to act on these recommendations were slow but steady. In April 2024, lawmakers passed legislation to establish the Special Prosecutor’s Office, designed to investigate and prosecute crimes identified by the TRRC. The office would work alongside a planned hybrid court backed by ECOWAS. This court, known as the Special Tribunal for The Gambia, would have the flexibility to hold proceedings both داخل the country and abroad—an important feature given the international nature of some cases.
Still, the delay in appointing a prosecutor drew criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups, who feared justice was slipping further out of reach.
The man for the moment
Hackett’s appointment brought renewed momentum. Known for handling complex cases involving command responsibility and sexual violence, he was seen as uniquely qualified for the task ahead. International prosecutor Reed Brody подчеркed the importance of such expertise, noting that cases stemming from Jammeh’s rule would require deep legal experience and sensitivity toward victims.
During his four-year renewable mandate, Hackett is expected to pursue prosecutions against around 70 individuals identified by the TRRC. He will also submit annual reports to key institutions, including the presidency, the National Assembly, ECOWAS, and the Attorney General.
A dictator in exile
Jammeh’s grip on power ended after he lost the December 2016 election to opposition leader Adama Barrow. After initially refusing to step down, he eventually fled into exile in Equatorial Guinea in January 2017, where he remains to this day. His absence presents a major challenge for justice efforts, raising questions about extradition and the practical limits of prosecution.
The road ahead
While the appointment of a special prosecutor is a significant milestone, the journey toward justice is far from complete. The proposed ECOWAS-backed tribunal has yet to secure funding, and many victims still await closure.
Hackett will face difficult choices—whether to try cases domestically or before the future regional court. Each decision will shape not only legal outcomes but also public confidence in the process.
For many Gambians, however, this moment represents something long denied: the possibility that those responsible for years of suffering may finally be held to account.
