The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the establishment of a special tribunal to investigate alleged crimes committed under former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh. The decision was made during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, held on December 15, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria.
In a statement following the announcement, the Gambian government described the move as a “historic development,” marking a significant milestone for The Gambia, the West African region, and the international community.
The special tribunal will operate using elements of both national and international law, with its headquarters based in Banjul, the Gambian capital. However, the court can hold proceedings in another country if necessary. The structure will include judges, prosecutors, and staff from The Gambia, ECOWAS, and the international community, with international experts brought in as needed. The tribunal will have jurisdiction over international crimes as well as serious violations of Gambian law.
This development follows the work of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which operated between 2018 and 2021, investigating crimes committed under Yahya Jammeh’s regime. The tribunal aims to address the findings of the TRRC and deliver justice for victims of the Jammeh era.
