Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, The Minister For Justice.
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has submitted the selection panel’s report on the appointment of members to the Victims Reparations Commission, in line with Section 31(1) of the Victims Reparations Act 2023. The report was presented to members of the National Assembly for consideration.
While addressing lawmakers, Minister Jallow highlighted that the report documents the extensive efforts of the selection panel, which operated in accordance with the Victims Reparations Act 2023. He explained that the panel was tasked with identifying and recommending qualified candidates to serve on the commission, a body charged with implementing reparatory justice for victims of human rights violations revealed by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
He noted that the TRRC findings detailed violations committed between July 1994 and January 2017, including unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, and sexual and gender-based violence.“To address the needs of victims, the government committed to establishing this commission as part of its response to the TRRC ‘s recommendations. The selection panel representing various stakeholders conducted a transparent and rigorous process, including public calls for applications, screening, interviews and consultation,” he said.
He added that the report outlines the process and results of the selection, with nine candidates recommended for consideration. The National Assembly is to confirm seven individuals as commissioners, ensuring diversity, representation of victims and youth, and adherence to the criteria set by the Act.
Minister Jallow commended the selection panel, the post-TRRC unit, and all partners who contributed to the effort, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing reparatory justice for victims in The Gambia.
The report specifies that, in accordance with Section 12 of the Victims Reparations Act, the commission must comprise seven members, including:
- Two victim representatives
- Two youth representatives
- One representative from a disability organization
- A chairperson with at least a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience in public administration
- At least three female members
The selection panel adopted this categorization in its final recommendations. The shortlisted candidates and their scores were as follows:
- Dr. Badara Loum: 93 points
- Isatou Jammeh: 90 points
- Sirra Ndow: 85 points
- Kadijatu Kuyateh: 82 points
- Muhammed Sandeng: 77 points
- Kebba Secka: 68 points
- Ebrima S. Camara: 54 points
“Based on the scores, Badara Loum (Dr.), Isatou Jammeh and Sirra Ndow were the victim candidates with the highest scores. Noting that Badara Loum (Dr.) is also eligible for Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of the Commission. The Selection Panel recommended Isatou Jammeh and Sirra Ndow to serve on the Commission as victim representatives,” the report highlighted.
The report has been forwarded to the National Assembly’s Appointment Committee, which is expected to review and report back to the plenary by December 20, 2024.