Suntou Touray, a Counsellor at the Gambian High Commission in London, has urged the government to set up an emergency relief fund for the victims of Jammeh because some of the cases cannot wait for TRRC recommendations and compensations.
In a comment shared with The Standard, Mr Touray said: “I will urge members of the National Assembly to discuss the possibility of the government creating an ‘Emergency Victim Relief Fund’ for victims of April 14 and those in similar conditions for the immediate moment. The National Assembly is the right channel to request this noble support.”
He said the noble steps taken by April 14 protesters arouse the conscience of the nation, and as such their actions helped put us on the pedestal to freedom.
Nogoi Njie
On the burning issue of Nogoi Njie, Mr Touray said: “The President, we are aware does assist Nogoi, however, that is not enough, as they should be evacuated for overseas treatment and check-up and others like that in Europe and America.”
Mr Touray said the TRRC can look into the details of the overall and any future compensation, but for now, the proposed relief fund establishment will do.
Mr Touray also advised that the ministries of health, justice and finance need the NAMs to validate that step, saying a separate budget line can be augmented to facilitate it. Touray observed that such a relief fund is more necessary because The Gambia lacks powerful charities such as the PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and can create a quick reaction task force for this discussion.
“Heroines like Ms Nogoi Njie require evacuation, while young men like Modou Ngum need serious medical expert treatment now. We all respect the TRRC, however, the process will not help the immediate pains of our comrades. Gambians have spoken well and acted appropriately to do what they can, now let the government hold the bull by the horns and get help for these victims. It can be done in many ways,” he concluded.
