The Gambia has appointed British barrister Martin Hackett as its first special prosecutor to try those responsible for human rights abuses committed during the 22-year rule of ex-President Yahya Jammeh.
Hackett will head a newly created office tasked with dealing with cases from Jammeh’s regime, which was characterized by widespread repression, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
The move follows a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) report that identified those most responsible and recommended their prosecution.
The TRRC had heard harrowing testimony from victims and witnesses, and recommended reparations for victims.
Some perpetrators have already been convicted abroad, but Hackett’s appointment is seen as a decisive step towards domestic accountability.
Jammeh, who refused to cooperate with the TRRC, is believed to be living in exile in Equatorial Guinea.
