The United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Dr Morris Tidball-Binz, has called for sustained efforts to strengthen accountability for unlawful deaths, investigate human rights violations and advance transitional justice in The Gambia.
The call came as he concluded his official two-week visit to the country, during which he assessed the protection of the right to life, the effectiveness of investigations into potentially unlawful deaths and the implementation of recommendations made by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
Speaking at a press conference on Friday at African Princess, Dr.Tidball-Binz presented his preliminary findings on The Gambia’s legal framework, accountability mechanisms and progress in addressing human rights violations committed under the former government of President Yahya Jammeh.
He acknowledged the cooperation he received from the government, civil society organisations and victims’ families during the mission, noting that he was granted access to different parts of the country, including inmates on death row.
Dr. Tidball-Binz commended Gambian journalists for their role in defending freedom of expression, while recalling the threats, intimidation and abuses faced by media professionals during the Jammeh era.
He cited the assassination of Deyda Hydara, co-founder of The Point newspaper, in December 2004, and the disappearance of journalist Ebrima Manneh following his arrest in 2006. Manneh is widely believed to have died in custody.
The cases remain significant in discussions about press freedom, accountability and the need to address unresolved human rights violations from the country’s past.
The Special Rapporteur also drew a contrast between his mission and the 2014 visit by his predecessor, Professor Christof Heyns, who was reportedly denied access to certain detention facilities, including Mile 2 Central Prison.
A key focus of the mission was the work of the TRRC, which documented human rights violations committed during the Jammeh administration and made recommendations aimed at promoting accountability, reconciliation and reparations for victims.
Dr Tidball-Binz emphasised that truth-telling, while essential to transitional justice, must be accompanied by concrete measures to address past abuses, locate missing persons and reform security institutions.
He cautioned that these processes could take many years and would require sustained political commitment and institutional support.
The Special Rapporteur also highlighted the importance of strengthening the country’s capacity to investigate deaths and identify human remains, drawing on his experience in forensic investigations.
He called for continued international assistance, particularly in specialised forensic training in areas such as genetics and forensic anthropology, to improve the quality of investigations and support the identification of victims.
Detention conditions and police conduct
Dr Tidball-Binz acknowledged reported improvements in detention conditions at Mile 2 Prison and efforts to address torture. However, he noted that allegations of police brutality and deaths involving security personnel remained areas of concern.
Among the incidents highlighted were the 2018 Faraba Banta shootings, in which protesters were shot and the death of Omar Badjie in custody in 2025.
The Special Rapporteur pointed to measures taken by the authorities in response to some incidents, including investigations, the suspension of officers and public apologies.
He stressed, however, the importance of sustained efforts to ensure that allegations of unlawful conduct are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held accountable.
The preliminary findings offer an assessment of The Gambia’s progress in protecting the right to life, investigating potentially unlawful deaths and implementing accountability measures following the end of Jammeh’s rule.
The visit also underscored the continuing challenges facing the country as it seeks to address past human rights violations, strengthen its justice system and prevent future abuses.
Dr Tidball-Binz’s findings are preliminary, with his assessment highlighting the need for continued reforms, stronger investigative capacity and sustained support for victims and their families in the pursuit of justice.
