The Gambia Government has accepted the TRRC recommendation not to grant former Vice President Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy an amnesty.
“The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission with regards to Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy,” the Gov’t White Paper stated.
The commission’s recommendation was based on its observation that the former VP, during her testimony, did not make a full and truthful disclosure of her role in the 10th and 11th April 2000 student protests.
The TRRC added that Njie-Saidy described her role in the event as passive; although it has found out that, she instructed Baboucar Jatta to deploy the army pursuant to the instructions from ex-president Jammeh.
The commission suggested that the former VP failed to take responsibility for her role; and is one of the people who bear the greatest responsibility for that incident.
The Government has also consented to prosecute and ban Dr. Njie Saidy for 10-year from holding public office for her role in the April 10-11 2000, as also recommended by the commission.
In January this year, the TRRC called for applications for amnesty and received 25 applications from various individuals notably, former Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy, former Junta Vice Chair, Sanna Bairo Sabally, Edward Singhatey, Alagie Kanyi, Wassa Camara, etc., with each of the twenty-five applications reviewed, determined and submitted for approval.
Of the 25 applications, 11 were dismissed, 8 were denied, 5 were approved and 1 was referred to the Attorney General for finalisation of granting of immunity.
However, in the White Paper, the Government noted that although the TRRC Act gives the Commission the power to make recommendations for Amnesty there is no explicit legal framework for the granting of immunity under Gambian laws; and said through the Ministry of Justice, it will therefore work towards drafting legislation which , amongst other things will make provision for the granting of Amnesty.
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