By: Fatou Krubally
Victims of human rights violations during the 22-year rule of former President Yahya Jammeh have expressed deep concern over reports of his possible return to The Gambia.
Speaking under the umbrella of the Alliance of Victim-Led Organisations (AVLO), the victims called on the government, regional bodies, and international partners to ensure that any return is contingent on full accountability and justice.
In a statement, AVLO, which represents thousands of survivors and families affected by unlawful killings, torture, rape, forced disappearances, and other serious abuses, warned that Jammeh’s return without justice would threaten national reconciliation and undermine years of progress in truth and accountability.
The group dismissed claims by some of Jammeh’s supporters that his return would foster “peace, unity, and security,” arguing that peace cannot be built on impunity. “Allowing Jammeh to return without accountability would reopen deep wounds and silence those still seeking justice,” the statement read.
AVLO acknowledged the Government of The Gambia’s position, affirming that every Gambian, including Jammeh, has the constitutional right to return home. However, the group stressed that such a right does not absolve anyone from accountability for serious alleged crimes documented by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). They emphasized that any return must be accompanied by rigorous conditions, immediate action, and verifiable oversight.
The victims highlighted ongoing intimidation and threats faced by TRRC witnesses and survivors, warning that Jammeh’s return without justice would embolden remnants of the former regime, silence witnesses, and erode public trust in transitional justice mechanisms.
“Peace built on silence and fear is not real peace,” AVLO said, urging the government, the United Nations, the African Union, and ECOWAS not to facilitate any return that grants impunity. The group stressed that reconciliation must begin with truth and accountability, and that international oversight and witness protection are critical to safeguard the progress made in reparations, reforms, and truth-telling.
AVLO’s statement reflects the continued anxiety among victims and survivors that decades of suffering and bravery in testifying against abuses would be undermined if the former president returns without facing justice. The organization called for transparency, active investigations, and strong safeguards to ensure that The Gambia’s hard-won gains in accountability and national healing are preserved.
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By: Fatou Krubally Victims of human rights violations during the 22-year rule of former President Yahya Jammeh have expressed…
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