By: Nicholas Bass
The Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters, Hon. Madi Ceesay, has revealed that President Barrow’s administration has implemented only 60 out of the 263 recommendations made by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
Speaking during an engagement session between the National Assembly Human Rights Committee and The Gambia Center for Victims at its main office in Senegambia, Hon. Ceesay explained that the government had designed an implementation plan comprising 304 activities to address all 263 TRRC recommendations. “To date, only 60 have been fully implemented,” he said.
Hon. Ceesay noted that 101 recommendations are still in progress, with the government’s implementation plan scheduled to conclude in 2027. He added that some victims feel little progress has been made, citing concerns about the political will of the current administration. “Some victims allege that members of the former government occupying key positions may serve as deterrents to the implementation of the TRRC recommendations,” he said.
The NA member also highlighted that victims have raised pertinent issues, such as security reforms that they wish to see prioritized.
Addressing the challenges faced by the Victims Center, National Coordinator Kebba Jome revealed that the institution is struggling financially. He explained that the Center’s budget renewal submitted to the government has been put on hold until January 2026. “We have been following up with the government since 2017 to see how it can support us, but up to now, we have not benefited,” he stated.
Mr. Jome said the Center largely depends on donor funding, which has been affected following the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that operational costs, including office rent, remain a significant challenge, despite having paid for the entire year in advance.
He commended the NA Human Rights Committee for supporting the Center’s logistical activities and creating a link between the institution and the Government of The Gambia.
About the Author
