By Mafugi Ceesay
A massive fund raising drive mounted to support TRRC witness Mafugi Sonko has ended with a total of D175 , 000. The fundraising was launched by one Yunus Hydara and the monies were presented to Sonko and his family at the TRRC base yesterday.
Speaking at the ceremony, the lead counsel of the TRRC Essa M Faal said: “This is not a formal activity of the TRRC, but a drive to supporting what is happening, a presentation of monies gathered for the benefit of Mr. Mafugi Sonko which must not be interpreted as reparations or monies paid out by the TRRC”.
Faal said Sonko is beneficiary of the appreciation of the Gambian people who are happy he has come out to speak truthfully about what he knows to have happened and what he perceived to have happened in the manner which he understood things.
“This is just a reward showing that there is value to telling the truth and the truth is really important to the TRRC and that is why this institution has been set up,” he said.
Adelaide Sosseh, deputy chair of the TRRC said Mafugie touched the hearts of many people who were watching the TRRC and his nine years suffering has moved many Gambians to help him.
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, university of The Gambia thanked Yunus Hydara for the initiative.
Mafugi Sonko on his part thanked the TRRC for giving him the opportunity to tell his story and also to tell what happened in the country. He said he was not forced or beaten to speak. He thanked all Gambians who donated him and his family.
