Let Defiant Ex-Minister Face The Law

By Abdoulie John

The Chairperson of the Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations (GCVHRV), Sheriff Kijera, has decried the behaviour of former Junta member Yankuba Touray at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). He called on the commission to make sure that the ‘star witnes’ faces the full force of the law.

In an exclusive with this medium, Kijera said the former Minister of Local Gov’t and Lands has exhibited his complete ignorance of the country’s Fundamental Law.

A leading figure of the former governing party, Yankuba Touray appeared today before the truth commission after being adversely mentioned in previous testimonies. He declined to answer questions by TRRC Lead Counsel, Essa  hiding behind the Constitution to justify his position.

“This clearly demonstrates that he is arrogant and completely ignorant of the law,” he voiced out while throwing his weight behind TRRC Chairman Lamin Sise who made a submission suggesting that Touray’s act is tantamount to contempt of court…

The TRRC is not here for a joke, he said. “It has been legally constituted by Gambia’s lawmaking body to hear testimonies from victims and establish a historical facts about human rights violations that occurred during the Jammeh era.”

Over 40 witnesses have already testified before the commission with disturbing accounts incriminating ex-dictator Jammeh and his top lieutenants.

While acknowledging TRRC’s Lamin Sise’s decision to stand his ground, Kijera lauded Lead Counsel Essa Faal for his forsightness in allowing Yankuba Touray to have a second chance to decide over his own fate.

Kijera expressed hope that what transpired from today’s hearing will serve as a lesson for potential witnesses so that they will not make the same mistake.

Ends