Gambia appoints British barrister as special prosecutor to tackle Jammeh-era crimes

The Gambian government has appointed a British barrister as its first special prosecutor to lead prosecutions for human rights abuses committed under the long rule of former President Yahya Jammeh, marking a major step toward justice for victims.

Martin Hackett, a seasoned British barrister, will head the newly created office, which is tasked with handling cases including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and widespread repression that characterized Jammeh’s 22-year rule. Jammeh went into exile in 2017 after losing presidential elections.

The appointment follows recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which was established to document the scale of alleged abuses under Jammeh’s administration. The commission not only called for the prosecution of those responsible for unlawful acts but also urged that reparations be paid to victims.

Jammeh, who has previously denied any wrongdoing, is believed to be living in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

The creation of the special prosecutor’s office signals a renewed commitment by The Gambia to hold perpetrators accountable, offering a long-awaited path to justice for victims and their families.