The Citizens Alliance (CA) is profoundly disappointed with the remarks made by Defense Minister Sheikh Omar Faye during an interview on the For The People By The People Show on Sunday, 4th April 2021 advising victims of human rights violations of the former regime to ‘suck up’ their experiences and ‘move on’ as a way to deal with their cruel experiences.
CA stands with the victims community and all concerns citizens to condemn this callous statement which is deemed to be insensitive to the plight of the victims of human rights violations who have endured so much pain and suffering and are yet to receive justice.
Let us be reminded that the Truth and Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) was established to help Gambians know the truth about the human rights violations that happened in the country, seek justice for victims and come to terms with the past. Statements uttered by the Defense Minister risk undermining the work and spirit of the TRRC.
CA strongly advises the President to reprimand the Minister and force him to resign or sack him from Government. We also urge the Honourable Minister Faye to immediately do the honorable thing and apologize to the victims and their families.