By Buba Gagigo
Child Protection Alliance (CPA) has called on President Adama Barrow to rescind his decision to pardon four pedophiles who were among the thirty-seven people pardoned by him last week.
Expressing deep concern, the CPA highlighted that the four pardoned individuals – Ousman Baldeh, Momodou Camara, Yankuba Njie, and Nfamara Mballow – were charged and convicted for the rape and sexual abuse of children aged between 4 and 14. As advocates for child protection, the CPA vehemently rejected the decision and demanded President Barrow to revoke the pardons.
“The Child Protection Alliance has learned with grave concern that President Adama Barrow has given clemency to four convicted pedophiles among thirty-seven prisoners by the powers vested in him under Section 82 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, 1997. These four pedophiles were all charged and convicted for rape and sexual abuse of children between the ages of 4 and 14. As a body dedicated to child protection, we wish to express our total rejection of the decision to pardon these four convicted individuals and demand that Pres. Barrow rescinds his decision,” CPA said.
The Alliance drew attention to a similar case in 2018 involving the pardon of a convicted Norwegian man for child abuse, which was eventually rescinded due to public outcry. CPA called on President Barrow to exhibit the same sensitivity to public sentiment and reconsider the release of the four individuals convicted of child abuse.
Highlighting the Welfare Principle of Section 3 of the Children’s Act 2005, CPA stressed that the best interest of the child should be the paramount consideration in any decision affecting them. The organization argued that pardoning individuals convicted of child rape contradicts the spirit of this principle and undermines the government’s obligation to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
“We wish to remind the President and his Government that in a similar pardon in 2018 involving a convicted Norwegian man, Svein Åge Sandåke for sexually abusing six children, the decision was rescinded following public outcry. We wish to therefore call on the President to exercise the same magnanimity to rescind the release of these four individuals, similarly convicted for abusing children.
“The Alliance would like to bring the attention of the authorities to the Welfare Principle of Section 3 of the Children’s Act 2005 which provides that, “The best interest of the child shall be the paramount consideration by any court, institution, person or other body in determining any question concerning a child,” CPA said.
In view of this principle, CPA said it is their belief that extending the prerogative of mercy to Ousman Baldeh, Momodou Camara, Yankuba Njie and Nfamara Mballow all of whom they said have been found guilty of rape-related offences against children is a total contradiction of the spirit and aspiration of the above provision.
“The pardon of these four child rapists further undermines the Government’s obligations under Section 66(1)(a) to, “safeguard, protect and promote 66(1)(a) to, “safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children,” CPA said.
CPA urged the government to uphold the accountability of individuals charged with child abuse, asserting that releasing such offenders compromises the safety and protection of children. In a final appeal, the CPA called on President Barrow to honor national, regional, and international commitments to the rights and welfare of children.
“The Children Protection Alliance wishes to remind the Government and indeed the rest of society that it does not serve the best interest of children when child violators are taken off the hook. Just as we continuously call on individuals to report any cases of child abuse to bring about accountability and greater protection of children, similarly we wish to call on the Government to ensure that those who are arrested, charged, prosecuted, and convicted of child abuse do face the full length of their accountability.
“Releasing convicted child abusers and pedophiles only serves to increase the vulnerability of children while weakening law enforcement and justice delivery measures for the protection of children. We wish to therefore remind the Gambia Government of its national, regional, and international commitments to the protection of the rights and welfare of children,” CPA said.
In conclusion, the Child Protection Alliance urged President Adama Barrow not to release the convicted child rapists. Emphasizing the importance of strengthening national child protection mechanisms, the CPA called on the government to collaborate effectively with both national and international organizations, emphasizing the need for continued investment in law enforcement and child protection.
While respecting the ultimate authority of President Barrow, CPA stands firm in its commitment to advocating for the best interests of children and promoting a society that prioritizes their safety and well-being.
“In this regard, we urge Pres. Adama Barrow not to release convicted child rapists,” they concluded.