President Adama Barrow at the inauguration of the reparations commission members
By Ramatoulie Jawo
His Excellency President Adama Barrow presided over the official swearing-in ceremony of the newly established Reparations Commission at the State House in Banjul on Friday.
The establishment of the Commission marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s transitional justice process and is part of the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
The new body is tasked with facilitating healing, addressing victims’ needs, and ensuring the delivery of reparations to individuals who suffered human rights violations under the former regime.
The ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers, senior government officials, judiciary representatives, family members of the commissioners, and other dignitaries.
Since the change in government in 2016, The Gambia has embarked on a comprehensive transitional justice agenda, with the TRRC playing a central role in uncovering past abuses, promoting accountability, and recommending measures for reparations and institutional reforms. The TRRC submitted its final report in November 2021, which included 265 recommendations—of which the government accepted 263.
The seven newly sworn-in members of the Reparations Commission are:
Dr. Badara Loum, Chairperson
Mrs. Isatou Ndow, Vice Chairperson
Saifiatou Touray
Ebou Faye
Njie Abodou A. Manneh
Dr. Babanding Daffeh
Isatou Jammeh
In accordance with legal procedures, the commissioners took their oaths of office, allegiance, due execution, and secrecy.
President Barrow reaffirmed that reparations remain one of his government’s top priorities within the broader framework of transitional justice. He described the establishment of the Reparations Commission as a historic step forward and emphasized that it is now the Commission’s responsibility to operationalize its mandate effectively.
He acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead, noting that its significance extends beyond the victims and survivors—it represents a critical undertaking for the entire nation. He added that the Commission’s work will also be of great interest to stakeholders and partners committed to supporting The Gambia’s transitional justice efforts.
The President announced that his administration will allocate annual funding to the Reparations Fund and will assist the Commission in mobilizing additional technical and financial resources to ensure its smooth operation.
“The Victims Reparations Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that provides you with adequate powers and direction to carry out your mandate fairly and squarely. While you are recognized as an independent Commission and shall be allowed to exercise your mandate without any interference from my government, I take this moment to assure you that you can count on us whenever necessary,” he said.
He stated that his government recognizes the crimes committed against the victims, as well as the pain endured by them, their families, and their communities over the years.
He assured that his government is committed to addressing their suffering and, to ensure success, called on everyone to support the commission and its leadership.
The Chairman of the Repatriation Commission emphasized the essential role of reparations in the transitional justice process, describing it as a critical step toward healing, restoring the dignity of victims, and promoting national reconciliation.
While highlighting the importance of reparations, he cautioned that they should not be viewed solely as financial compensation for suffering, but as a meaningful part of the broader justice process.
“The process must be seen as being transformative in that it is designed to restore dignity, promote healing, and prevent the recurrence of past atrocities. Hence the reparation program is also designed to target the material, physical, and psychological needs of victims. This includes of course financial compensation, access to education, access to health care, and psychological support,” he said.
He also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the president for turning the establishment and launch of the commission into a reality.
“I wish to extend our utmost gratitude to you for entrusting us with this very important responsibility and to assure you that we will not be found wanting,” he assured the president.
Justice Minister Dawda A. Jallow reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering justice for victims through the reparations process.
He assured that the commission will swiftly begin its work and ensure that all matters concerning victims are handled with diligence and care.
“It is a responsibility that is off my shoulders now having given it to the commission and we will give them all the support that they need so that the welfare and affairs of victims are all taken care of,” he said.
He explained that the legislation grants the commission a five-year mandate, with the hope that they will fulfill their responsibilities within that period. However, if they are unable to complete their work in time, the law allows for an extension.