TRRC Lead Counsel Criticizes Appointment of Foreign Prosecutor Over Gambian Lawyers

By Makutu Manneh

Essa Mbye Faal, lead counsel of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), has criticized the government’s decision to appoint a British lawyer as special prosecutor for crimes committed during the rule of former president Yahya Jammeh, arguing that qualified Gambian lawyers were overlooked.

Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on the Kerr Fatou Show, Mr. Faal described the decision as a missed opportunity to empower local legal talent.

“It was a disgrace for us,” he said. “I am not saying the person appointed cannot do the job. What I am saying is we have Gambians who can do this job. They have the ability to do it.”

Mr. Faal cited several Gambian legal professionals he said were capable of serving in the role, including Horeja Balla Gaye, a former deputy lead counsel at the TRRC; Alhagie Marong; Seedou Ndow; and Veronica Wright. He argued that The Gambia has a pattern of failing to invest in and promote its own professionals.

He also pointed to the country’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, where The Gambia has relied heavily on foreign legal counsel. Gambian lawyers involved in the proceedings, he said, have been given limited roles.

Mr. Faal noted that he had been appointed by the International Criminal Court to lead investigative and prosecutorial efforts related to the Rohingya القضية, including drafting a key warrant application after years of stalled progress. He said the work was completed within a year under his leadership.

Other Gambian lawyers, he added—including Abubacarr Tambadou, Dr. Alhagie Marong, Seedou Ndow, Ousman Jammeh, Veronica Wright, and Horeja Balla Gaye—have also demonstrated their capabilities on the international stage.

“The reality is God has blessed our country with many knowledgeable people who have proved themselves internationally, but our government does not believe in its diaspora. As you can see, any day President Barrow comes out, he must insult the diaspora. He doesn’t believe in the diaspora; he doesn’t not believe in Gambians,” he stated.

He was also critical of President Adama Barrow, accusing him of placing trust primarily in close associates rather than drawing on a broader pool of national expertise.

Mr. Faal said his decision to run for president was partly motivated by a desire to change what he described as a longstanding reluctance to empower Gambians in key national roles.