Former Finance Minister
Justice Delayed Isn’t Justice Denied in the case of Late Minister of Finance, Mr. Ousman Koro Ceesay
“And among those We created is a community which guides by truth and thereby establishes justice. (Quran 7:181)
It has been 26 years since the death of Ousman Koro Ceesay, and today, on what would have been his late father’s 90th birthday, justice is served with the pronouncement of a guilty verdict for Mr. Yakuba Touray in the murder of our beloved brother. We wish our parents, Mr. Seni Sise and Mrs. Fatoumatta Sise were here to witness this before they passed, however, we hope they are looking down and grateful for this day.
Although it has taken more than two decades, we know Allah’s timing is perfect. Today, the court has shown us that no one is above the law.
We would like to sincerely thank the people of the Gambia who have stood with us from the first day, who rallied, petitioned, prayed, and supported our family; this judgement is for all of us. You lifted us, walked with us, and served as our voice. You never forgot Koro! You kept his name and pictures in the media to ensure the world would not forget him. You remembered his love for country, people, integrity, and patriotism, you stood alongside our family in demanding for justice from every corner of the globe. We extend our gratitude to the Gambia justice system, the TRRC (everyone who was involved in Koro’s case), the Gambia Bar Association and the attorneys who wrote the amicus brief in support of the case. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you.
In line with Koro’s vision to transform his country and her people, our family founded the
Ousman Koro Ceesay Foundation (OKC Foundation) in 2014, a non-profit, non-political organization that supports equitable access to quality education and healthcare for disadvantaged Gambian citizens. In the past six years we have partnered with individuals and organizations to offer scholarships to outstanding students with financial needs, as well as provide free educational supplies for students and teachers. Additionally, in collaboration with health institutions in the United States and local medical professionals, the Foundation has donated over 5 tonnes of medications, medical supplies, and equipment. Through the OKC Foundation’s medical missions, the most recent one being June 2021; highly skilled doctors and nurses have delivered impeccable medical diagnosis and treatment, conducted community training, promoted principles of prevention and contributed to improving the overall health and well-being of underserved and disadvantaged communities and citizens in the Gambia.
Koro was a man of discipline, integrity, and service, with a fantastic sense of humor and love for his family. Today marked the beginning of a new dawn with one conviction, we trust that by the grace of God, the rest of the people who took part in the murder will be brought to justice.
Justice delayed is not justice denied.
Statement from the family of Ousman Koro Ceesay