By Omar Bah
The Minister of Justice, Abubacarr Tambadou has said that preliminary reviews of the report of the presidential investigation into the bloody Faraba Banta riots, have indicated a catalog of errors ranging from lack of consultation, mistrust to lack of coordination among all stakeholders.
The minister, who was speaking at State House during the presentation of the panel’s report to President Adama Barrow, also said the report touches on very fundamental issues about the role and responsibilities of government departments such as the National Environment Agency, and other institutions including the National Assembly select committee on the environment.
Tambadou said he is confident that the report will set light on a number of burning issues and point the way to a more stable Gambia, given that the mandate of the commission included making recommendations on preventing the reoccurrence of similar incidents in other parts of the country.
“I can assure you that the president will review and publish this report in due course with a statement of action taken in accordance with the 1997 Constitution,” Minister Tambadou assured.
Receiving the report, President Adama Barrow said the very existence of the commission demonstrates his government’s commitment to follow the required procedures to ensure justice prevails.
The President thanked the commissioners for a good job.
The head of the panel, Emmanuel Daniel Joof recalled that their mandate was to investigate the circumstances that led to the standoff between the villagers and the PIU, causes of death and injuries, who ordered the shooting, who carried out the shooting, those responsible for the destruction of properties and also provide recommendation to prevent any reoccurrence.
Mr Joof further revealed that the report submitted to the president also indicates cases of culpabilities of shooting, destruction of properties, issues of licensing and recommendations for prosecution.
The Independent Commission of Inquiry set up on July 1 consisted of Emmanuel Daniel Joof, Neneh MC Cham, Abdoulie Colley, Omar Cham and Yusupha Jallow, as Commissioners and Charles Njai as secretary, to investigate the tragic events that took place in Faraba Banta on June 18 leading to the death of three civilians.
