“Some Reasons Are Obvious, Some Are Not.” The Gambian Experience with Transitional Justice

Abstract

In the early months of 2017, Gambians witnessed the demise of the regime of Yahya Jammeh. His departure ushered in a political transition and commitment among the country’s new leadership to democratic governance and a programme of transitional justice. This chapter examines the context and a number of ameliorating factors as well as ongoing issues and challenges facing transitional justice efforts in The Gambia. In doing so, it is hoped that this chapter can help to explain why the country has chosen the specific path of justice and accountability that it has to date. The chapter begins with an overview of the events that led to the demise of the Jammeh regime. This is followed by an exploration of a number of ameliorating factors in The Gambia that have determined the country’s approach to transitional justice. The new Gambian government has focused on sequencing justice and implemented two primary justice and accountability mechanisms: a commission to identify Jammeh’s assets for potential repatriation and the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. Both are examined in detail. Finally, the chapter concludes with remarks on the challenging road ahead and the prospects for continued justice and accountability efforts in the country.