Gambian Former Jungler Faces Trial In America

Michael Correa, an alleged member of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh’s notorious “Junglers” death squad, is scheduled to stand trial in Denver, Colorado, starting September 16, 2024. Correa faces charges of torture and conspiracy to commit torture. The historic trial is a major step towards truth and justice for Gambian victims and the first ever trial in the United States based on the principle of universal jurisdiction. US District Court for the District of Colorado The trial will take place in the US District Court for the District of Colorado, which is in Denver, Colorado, USA. Former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh ruled the country with an iron fist between 1994 and 2016. During these years, the Gambian population suffered widespread human rights violations, including torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence. Defendant Michael Correa is alleged to be a member of the “Junglers” death squad, a paramilitary unit set up by Jammeh. Correa allegedly participated in the torture of several individuals in March and April 2006. Correa was arrested in September 2019 in the United States for immigration violations. A coalition of NGOs called on US law enforcement to investigate Correa for torture as well. In June 2020, he was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit torture and six counts of torturing specific individuals. He pled not guilty to these charges. This case is brought under the US torture statute under the principle of extraterritorial jurisdiction. The statute allows the US government to prosecute anyone found in the United States, regardless of their citizenship, for torture committed outside of the United States. “The prosecution of Michael Correa is welcome, but similar prosecutions have been rare in the United States. In fact, this is only the third prosecution to move forward to trial under the Torture Act, which was enacted almost 30 years ago, and only the first against a foreigner. To ensure that the United States is not a safe haven for those who commit atrocities abroad, the United States must make better use of the universal jurisdiction tools at its disposal,” said CJA Senior Staff Attorney Ela Matthews. At the time of his indictment, Correa was the first individual to face criminal investigations outside The Gambia for atrocities committed during the Jammeh regime. Since then, two other universal jurisdiction cases have moved forward. In March 2022, Bai Lowe, another alleged member of Jammeh’s Junglers, was indicted in Germany for crimes against humanity. He is currently on trial. In Switzerland, former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko is scheduled to stand trial for crimes against humanity in early 2024. Benoit Meystre, Legal Advisor at TRIAL International, said: “These investigations and trials – outside of the country where the crimes were committed – not only contribute to reducing impunity regarding the massive violations that took place in The Gambia, but are also a way to encourage the Gambian authorities to investigate and prosecute cases in the country itself.” Despite the efforts made by The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to document past violations, the Gambian government has to date taken few steps to bring perpetrators to justice or to respond to victims’ demands for accountability and reparations. Although the Gambian government adopted a plan to implement the TRRC recommendations on May 12, 2023, implementation has remained slow. “The recent announcement of a collaboration between the Gambian Ministry of Justice and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish an internationalized or hybrid mechanism to prosecute the highest-ranking perpetrators of the former regime –including Yahya Jammeh himself– is a positive development,” he said “Until this court is established, the trial of Michael Correa, and the trials of Jammeh’s alleged accomplices in other national courts, will be essential pathways to justice for victims.” Source: San Francisco and Geneva

Former Finance Director Lamin Suso was ‘incompetent.’

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Basse Area Council (BsAC) has told commissioners at the Local Government Commission of Inquiry that the former finance director, Lamin Suso was ‘incompetent.’ Ousman Touray made this disclosure on Tuesday and when asked as to why he made the assertion, he maintained that Mr Suso was actually engaged in shady transactions that proved detrimental to the Council. Touray also stated in his written statement to the Commission that Lamin Suso engaged in dubious activities. He recalled that before Lamin Suso took over as finance director, the Council’s bank accounts were ‘not red’, making reference to an incident that happened in 2021 after Lamin Suso took over. On how Lamin Suso was appointed, the witness said the appointment was made by the Local Government Service Commission upon recommendation by the Establishment Committee of Basse Area Council. He said he challenged the recommendation of the Establishment Committee through a letter sent to the Ministry of Regional Government and Lands querying the decision of the Establishment Committee. However, Touray told the Commission that though the Ministry did not reply to his letter, they went ahead to appoint Lamin Suso. He indicated that it was noble intentions that inspired his interest in working for the Basse Area Council. As a former senior budget officer at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE), Touray said that considering his experience, he sought a job at the Basse Area Council with the aim of elevating the council by changing the status quo. However, he said, he did not succeed. As a matter of fact, auditors held the ex-CEO and the former finance director responsible for the massive unaccounted funds belonging to the Council. Auditors also uncovered and outlined that there was a very weak administration at said Council during the tenure of the witness, an administration that had no regard for rules or procedures established by law.

NAWEC Signs Contract With Partners

The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) on Thursday signed an $18.6M water infrastructure enhancement project with partners as the country prepares to host the OIC Summit later this year. The OIC Gambia Secretariat, through the government of The Gambia, secured $22.5M in funding from the Saudi Fund to improve critical water infrastructure in the country. NAWEC yesterday formalized the contract for the civil works component of the water project following the signing of the contract agreement with Pabi Ford Company, OIC and Cityscapes Associates at its Head Office in Serekunda. Speaking before the contract was signed, the Managing Director of NAWEC, Nani Juwara, said: “Today is an important day for all of us. We will be witnessing the signing of a water project funded by the OIC Secretariat with the support of the Gambia government. As we are all aware, The Gambia will be hosting the OIC conference this year. As part of the infrastructural developments, the OIC Secretariat has identified the water sector as a critical component that requires attention. And we are lucky to receive funding to the tune of about 22.5M dollars for this particular project. And there are components to the project as highlighted by the project manager. We have the consultancy component, water borehole component…that is the drilling of boreholes and also we have the component for civil works. The contract we’ll be signing today is for the civil works.” According to Mr. Juwara, the water project will lessen the water stress of Gambians. “We are really very excited today, knowing this is going to be a project that is going to alleviate the suffering of our people.Currently, the demand on water is already very high and unfortunately, we are not meeting the demand as at now. So many communities are going for days, weeks and months without water,” the Nawec MD stated. He added: “I am very hopeful that the implementation of this project will help to, at least, minimize some of those constraints we are facing because this project is going to provide some production boreholes, a transmission network for raw water supply, and also a distribution network for clean water and also construction of some elevated tanks.” He said NAWEC “is really” excited and grateful to the Gambiagovernment, OIC Secretariat and Saudi Fund for their support to the Gambia government. The Gambia OIC Secretariat’s boss Mr. Yankuba Dibbaexplained that the project should’ve been implemented almost 20 months ago. “As the saying goes…it’s better late than never. OIC Secretariat has actually arranged funding for five strategic projects and sorry to say, this is the last of our projects that is being started,” he explained. Mr. Dibba made an impassioned call to the implementing partners to treat the project with greater urgency because according to him, the project is being funded by a grant. “Unfortunately, what is even more of a concern is that it’s agrant. All our other projects are loans but this particular one is a grant. And it should be treated with more urgency than all the other projects. I am delighted to be here to sign this project and I am sure the Saudi Fund will be delighted too,” he stated. He reiterated the appeal for timely delivery. “There is no issue with regard to accessing funds as long as we are doing the job in a timely manner and bringing it to the quality that it requires. Also, I implore all players to ensure we do our best in terms of timely delivery and in terms of quality that the job requires. It’s a public good. Gambians are yearning for clean and adequate water,” the OIC Gambia Secretariat boss pointed out. The signing ceremony was, among others, witnessed by senior staff of NAWEC, representatives of the firms and NAWEC’s board chair Crispin Grey Johnson.

Opposition MPs Protest Against Former President Bill

Opposition Parliamentarians yesterday protested by walking out of the National Assembly shortly before NPP members passed the Former President Bill into law. This development followed the presentation of the bill, which was brought to the National Assembly, by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. The opposition legislators boycotted the session over the bill tabled with a certificate of urgency. The House speaker put a question for the bill to be considered going with a certificate of urgency, which caused a commotion. Later, it was put to a vote as to whether it could go with a certificate of urgency. However, 30 lawmakers voted for it to be considered as a certificate of urgency while 17 voted against which happened to be the minority camp namely the United Democratic Party and PDOIS NAMs. Speaking to journalists shortly after the walk out, HonourableAlhagie S. Darboe, the Minority Leader and the member for Brikama North, highlighted the reasons why they boycotted the bill. Some of the reasons he highlighted include the fact that the former president will have the same salary as the sitting president, three cars and drivers, cooks, an office, and a residence. They also argued that the bill was passed urgently without proper scrutiny. “For the former president bill, we did not want to associate ourselves with anything we feel will not be done for the best interests of the Gambians and that is why we decided not to take part because they feel we don’t have the numbers and yes, we don’t have the number, so they will use their number against us to do anything they feel like doing. We will not be a part of that. “We will like the bill to come the normal way. We give it to the relevant committee to scrutinize and do necessary consultations report back, and we put the input of the people diligently,” he highlighted. Meanwhile, the members of the National People’s Party (NPP), nominated members, some independent members and members of the No To Alliance remained in the chambers to consider and pass the bill. If the bill is passed, a former president will earn the same salary as the sitting president; have three cars and drivers, cooks, an office and a residence. He will be treated the same as a sitting president

Parliament Passed Former President Bill

The bill titled Former President's Bill 2023 has been passed by the National Assembly and will become law once the president assents to it. The bill was introduced in parliament by the Minister of Justice under a certificate of urgency. However, the minority side of parliament disagreed with the urgency of the bill, resulting in a voting process. The majority side voted for the bill to be considered under a certificate of urgency, with 30 votes in favor and 17 votes against from the minority. Eventually, the urgency of the issues was accepted, leading to the minority side walking out of the chamber. This left the bill in the hands of the majority side to be debated and decided upon, resulting in its successful passage. Alhagie S. Darboe, the minority leader, explained their decision to boycott the session to journalists, stating that they did not want to associate themselves with anything that may not be done in the best interests of the Gambians. "The bill grants the former president the same salary as the sitting president, along with other benefits such as three cars with drivers, cooks, an office, and a residence," he explained. The minority leader, Alhagie S. Darboe, expressed concerns regarding the thorough scrutiny that such a bill requires. He mentioned that the certificate of urgency would not allow them the opportunity for proper scrutiny. He argued that the bill should follow the normal procedure, which involves referring it to a relevant committee for scrutiny, consultation, and reporting back to them, ensuring the input of the people. Hon. Suwaibou Touray of PDOIS emphasized that they are not against the bill itself but believe it should undergo proper scrutiny through the normal procedure. He highlighted that the bill deals with taxpayers' money and therefore requires careful examination. The minister, in introducing the bill, explained its purpose and reasons. He said the bill seeks to repeal and replace the Former Presidents (Office, Allowances and Other Benefits) Act [Act No.16 of 2006]. The minister highlighted that, currently, when a president ceases to hold office, they enter retirement without any formal pension from the state, adding that the bill proposes an annual pension and office expenses for former presidents to maintain the dignity of the Office of the President. He added, "The bill also aims to recognize and show gratitude for a former president's service to The Gambia, which extends beyond their term of office,". The minister believes that many Gambians would not want to see their former presidents living the remainder of their lives destitute, and the bill proposes a one-time six-month lump sum gratuity payment to assist the outgoing president in transitioning to post-presidential life. The minister added that even after leaving office, a former president remains a public figure and continues to perform certain informal public roles. He emphasized that other public servants, including those in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, qualify for a pension. "It is therefore fair that a former president also be provided with a pension and additional office facilities to enable them to fulfil duties that arise from their unofficial public status," Minister Jallow explained. He said the bill also includes provisions for an official state funeral for former presidents upon their demise, as a way to show the nation's final respect. "To preserve the dignity of the former first family, the bill proposes a monthly allowance equal to twenty-five percent of the deceased former president's pension to be paid to the surviving spouse,". Finally, Minister Jallow said the bill aims to make life after the presidency modestly comfortable. He added, "The benefits provided by this bill will serve as an incentive for sitting presidents to voluntarily vacate office, thus encouraging them to avoid undue elongation of their stay in power,". He concluded that the bill will help to prevent political instability, which is a common phenomenon in many parts of Africa

My Response to Yankuba Dampha, the Political Virgin Who Spares No One

It has never been my intention to respond to Attention Seekers and Political Virgins, especially at this time of our political struggle, considering the fact that we have very important issues to deal with. However, psychologists believe that if a lie is drummed up ten times without being called out and exposed as a lie it becomes the Ultimate Truth in the end. Therefore, I have no option but to give a fitting response to Yankuba Dampha who was formerly disguised as Maxi Jones. I cannot sit by and allow the likes of Yankuba to rain fallacious and calculated lies on my personality. Yankuba, who is known for falsely accusing decent people over the years, has the audacity to accuse me of calling their newly formed group members Greedy People. He even labeled me as a Disgruntled Person without providing proof or evidence to his followers about why and how I have become a disgruntled person. He insulted me by describing me as a so-called NPP supporter. Yankuba also questioned why I supported one Kaw Yerro's suggestion that all those who want to empower the NPP should go through the existing structures of the party. Yankuba said since Kaw Yerro was among the founding fathers of the 3 YEARS GOTNA movement he (Kaw Yerro) must not call himself an NPP supporter. He sounded as if he is mandated to choose who becomes the NPP member. Even President Barrow does not sound like Maxi Jones. To set the records straight, I have never called anyone or a group of people greedy throughout my civil discourse. All those who follow me know it is never my character to label others. My only crime - there is any - is to agree with Kaw Yerro that all the groups that intend to empower the NPP need to work with the party's existing structures so as to avoid duplication of efforts and fear of undermining each other. I support any lofty or progressive idea without minding the carrier. It is unwise for any party or group to bank on only ideas of its members. Only those bankrupt with wisdom, knowledge and experience think that way.  Yankuba Dampha has a legacy of character rudely attacking many people and undermining decent and patriotic citizens. I have no reason to be disgruntled because I have got what I wanted in politics. I decided to support President Barrow who has been winning elections since 2016. I can proudly tell you that my candidate Adama Barrow won all elections in my Jarra Central constituency. The people of that region can attest to my efforts during election campaigns. I must tell you that unlike you, I have always been there for the Gambia and the Gambian people. I voluntarily resigned from the Gambia National Army in 1995 to join politics and fight for the liberation of my people. You joined the struggle when your close relative – the late Mr. Dibba of the Gambia Transport Union – died in police custody. Your cowardly and selfish tendencies could not allow you to show your face hence your fictitious name MAXI JONES. WHAT A COWARD YOU ARE!  Yes, Kaw Yerro might be a member or founder of the 3 YEARS JOTNA but how many of the so-called 3 YEARS JOTNA members are enjoying the company of the NPP party and the government. Also remember that most of the people you worship today were die-heart APRC supporters, most of whom only joined the NPP for greener pastures. Most of you cannot be proud of winning votes for President Barrow in your constituencies during the past presidential elections. In fact, you were on record campaigning against President Barrow's party. You defended supporting the PPP for being the party of your parents. You are the one known for being disgruntled and untruthful when it comes to party politics.  Please live your life and stop going after people who do not even bother your existence. As a highly cultured person, I have decided to apply some limitations because I heard you call some individuals in Nokunda as your uncles who happen to be my brothers. Out of disrespect which is a manifestation of your true character, you called me Jarra Boyo. Clearly, you know that some of your uncles and aunties are my age mates. Please let the sleeping dog lie in peace. I don't want to be provoked into doing what is not my true character. MANDIKOLU KO WULU NUKUNTANG KONTONG YA WANYARE.