By: Binta Jaiteh
Members of the National Assembly on Tuesday pressed the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow, over the D30 million allocated to the newly established Reparations Commission.
The issue arose during the session for oral questions to ministers, with Banjul North NAM Muhammed Bah initiating the exchange.
“We are almost in the third quarter of the year, and my understanding is that the recently established Reparations Commission is not fully supported to commence operations and disburse funds to victims. Could the Minister for Justice inform the Assembly how much of the D30 million allocated to the commission has been disbursed?” NAM Bah asked.
In response, Attorney General Jallow clarified that D20 million was earmarked for the reparations fund, while D10 million was allocated for the operational costs of the commission, including salaries, allowances, and administrative expenses.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Finance has so far disbursed D5.3 million out of the D10 million operational budget.
“Regarding the reparations fund, the Ministry has disbursed D17.5 million. However, the Commission is still completing foundational work, including the development of policies, strategies, documentation, and eligibility criteria before disbursement to victims can begin,” the Attorney General stated.
NAM Bah, however, pressed further, stressing the urgency of supporting victims.
“Is the Commission considering expediting this process to ensure that victims can access the funds?” he asked.
Minister Jallow responded affirmatively. “Yes, the Commission understands the urgency. Outreach activities have already begun, and they are in touch with the victims. The Commission is actively working on the eligibility criteria, which is a critical step in the process.”
Still unsatisfied, NAM Bah emphasized the human cost of the delay.
“If someone is hungry, they cannot wait. Hunger is a problem. We cannot always rely on protocol. We are talking about victims who have suffered in this country,” he stressed.
At this point, Sabach Sanjal NAM Alagie Babou Ceesay raised a point of order under Standing Order 43(k), arguing that NAM Bah was making a statement rather than asking a question.
However, Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie overruled the point of order and urged the Minister to respond.
Attorney General Jallow reiterated that the Reparations Commission operates independently.
“The Commission is autonomous. It was created by law, and I do not interfere in its operations or decision-making processes,” he said.
Upper Nuimi NAM Omar Darboe then sought clarification on whether the government was indeed supporting the victims, as questioned by NAM Bah.
In response, the Minister dismissed any claims of government negligence, stating, “The government is providing all the support needed for the Commission to function effectively.”
