The ECOWAS Comminique to set up a tribunal for Gambia to punish crimes against humanity perpetrated during the Jammeh administration is ambiguous, according to Mr. Sulayman Ben Suwareh, a well-known Gambian human rights activist, who spoke to AG Radio on Wednesday night. When, where, and how these perpetrators would be prosecuted are not specified by ECOWAS.
Although Gambians are ready to celebrate, Mr Suwareh reminded Gambians that they must be cautious not to fall into the trap set by ECOWAS. This communique’s timing indicates that it could take years before Jammeh is tried because it is hard to bring charges against a former president in an election year, such as 2025 or 2026.
Once more, ECOWAS has not said which nation will try Jammeh or where the funds required to bring charges against him will come from. President Barrow could use this to demonstrate that Jammeh cannot be tried in the Gambia for security concerns as long as ECOMIG forces are in Gambia. It can take a very long time or be purposefully delayed to raise the money required for this special tribunal.
Mr. Suwareh warned the country’s opposition political parties that President Barrow, with the help of some heads of states from ECOWAS, will continue to take advantage of them and maintain his hold on power until they all put their houses in order. For its presidents, ECOWAS is merely a club. Unless they see that the people are united and committed and say in one voice that the president must step down, they will always support West African presidents. Only then would ECOWAS support the people’s desire. Mr. Suwareh continues, “ECOWAS has been doing this in many West African countries.”
