By Landing Ceesay
President Adama Barrow called for restraint as his government prepares the white paper on the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparation Commission’s report.
“The TRRC completed its work and submitted its report to me on 25thNovember 2021. A White Paper will be released within six (6) months from the submission date to outline the Government’s position on the Commission’s findings and recommendations. I urge every Gambian to exercise restraint, as we continue reviewing the report to take suitable action and ensure that the “Never Again” mantra is entrenched in The Gambia,” Barrow said at the opening ceremony of the Legal Year 2022 in Banjul, on Sunday.
He said the TRRC accorded the victims of injustice the opportunity to relate their experiences for redress, and provided a platform for willing offenders to confess and repent; while expressing hoping that it would bring about closure and healing to unite the nation.
“You will recall that, in December 2017, by an Act of the National Assembly, my government established the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to investigate and provide a fair and accurate historical record of the human rights violations committed in the country from July 1994 to January 2017. We took this informed decision to establish the truth, promote accountability, deliver justice, and mediate reconciliation and pay reparations, where necessary,” The Gambian President.
Talking about the country’s judicial system, President Barrow said it is proper to celebrate the heroes of The Gambia’s judicial system, whom he said continue to work courageously to administer justice and enrich the law system.
“Bearing in mind that the rule of law is the bedrock of society, my government continues to support the country’s Judiciary to sustain a healthy and stable democracy. We maintain that the Judiciary must remain resolute, independent, and strong enough to facilitate good governance and the rule of law.
“Together, we have successfully laid solid foundations in the areas of good governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law and women empowerment, which we now need to develop and extend,” the head of state said.
The opening of the Legal Year 2022 took place at the law court complex on Independent Drive in Banjul on Sunday, under the leadership of His Lordship the Chief Justice, the Hon. Justice Hassan B. Jallow.
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