The proceedings at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) sometimes offer Gambians – both in and outside the country – great lessons, drama and theatre.
When proceedings are on, almost everyone is glued to their television, radio or mobile phones listening to each word uttered. After the almost twenty-two years of dictatorship and repression, with countless human rights violations, many citizens are eager to learn about the truth.
Understandably so, as the purpose for which the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission was constituted is to have a record of all the violations of human rights and provide justice and reparations where necessary in order to effect the Never Again slogan.
However, the latest testimony, that of Edward Singatey has been hotly debated in the country. Some people are of the view that Mr Singatey adequately prepared himself in order to come and hoodwink the lead counsel and the commissioners and by extension, the Gambian people.
There are those however who seem to think that some of Edward’s statements were credible and that they created reasonable doubt in some of the allegations. These people are of the view that the lead counsel, Mr Essa Faal, did not give the witness enough chance to explain his side of the story.
Of particular interest to many was the issue of the brutal murder of Mr Ousman Koro Ceesay, former minister of Finance who was believed to have been murdered in cold blood by Edward Singatey and some others.
It is for this reason that many Gambians feel disappointed that Mr Singatey did not own up to his alleged horrible actions but rather obfuscated the whole thing with a view to escaping justice.
Some people are even calling for the TRRC to order his arrest. Whether if that is done it won’t impede the process or not is to be determined by the Commission. What will the Commission do?
