The Reparations Commission has disbursed over D21 million in compensation to victims of human rights violations in The Gambia and is actively pursuing funds from former President Yahya Jammeh's assets, including sales proceeds from his property in the USA. The Commission, established to implement reparations identified through The Gambia’s transitional justice process, reported disbursing D21,231,293.00 for compensation between December 2025 and June 2026. This significant financial outlay shows the ongoing commitment to address past injustices. An additional D100,000.00 has been disbursed for rehabilitation since April, providing key support to those in need.
"From December 2025 to June 2026, we disbursed D21,231,293.00 for compensation," stated The Reparations Commission in a recent update, detailing the financial progress made in its mandate. The Commission further added, "An additional D100,000.00 has been disbursed between April to date on rehabilitation," noting its dual focus on both financial redress and practical support for victims. The Commission confirmed it is also "following up on the sales proceeds of the former president’s asset in the USA through the Ministry of Justice," indicating a proactive approach to securing additional resources for its vital work. These efforts are central to ensuring full reparations for those who suffered human rights abuses during the previous regime.
Financial Progress and Needs
The Reparations Commission has disbursed an additional D100,000.00 for rehabilitation efforts between April 2026 and the publication date, demonstrating a continued focus on victim support beyond monetary compensation. The Commission stated it inherited a total of D168 million from the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which was specifically earmarked to pay outstanding balances to victims and 54 West African Migrants. This initial funding provided a critical foundation for the Commission's operations. For 2026, the Commission is allocated D30 million, with D20 million designated for the Victims Fund and D10 million for operational costs. This allocation reflects the government's ongoing contribution to the reparations process.
"The Commission is allocated D30 million in 2026," The Reparations Commission stated, providing clarity on its current financial resources. The breakdown further specifies, "D20 million for the Victims Fund and D10 million for Operations. These funds are disbursed by the Government Treasury on a monthly basis," ensuring a steady flow of resources for both direct victim support and administrative functions. The Commission confirmed that D5 million was received in April for the victims, and payments are currently being processed from this amount, demonstrating tangible progress in distributing funds. Funds for operations are also received monthly to manage activities, including emoluments, enabling the Commission to maintain its essential services. Despite these disbursements and allocations, an estimated D100 million in additional funding is required to provide reparations for newly registered victims, showing the significant financial need to address the full scope of human rights violations.
The Reparations Commission also detailed its efforts to keep the public informed and engaged throughout this complex process. "The Commission has been providing regular updates to the public through press releases, radio programs and nationwide outreaches," the Commission reported, emphasizing its commitment to transparency. It further explained its full use of digital platforms, adding, "The Commission also uses social media through which it provides information to victims in addition to working with victim-led organizations like AVLO. We will continue to provide frequent updates as necessary," illustrating a multi-faceted communication strategy designed to reach all relevant stakeholders.
Asset Recovery Efforts
The Reparations Commission has written to the Office of the Secretary General to access funds generated from the local sales of former President Yahya Jammeh's assets, according to the Commission. "The Commission has written to the Office of the Secretary General to access funds from the local sales of the former President’s assets," The Reparations Commission stated, indicating a strategic move to leverage domestic resources for reparations. This initiative is part of broader efforts to secure resources for reparations to victims of human rights violations, aiming to ensure that assets acquired through illicit means contribute directly to victim redress. The Commission is also following up on the sales proceeds of the former president’s asset in the USA through the Ministry of Justice, as previously reported, demonstrating a coordinated approach to asset recovery on both national and international fronts. This dual strategy is key for maximizing the funds available for compensation and rehabilitation.
The Reparations Commission also utilizes various channels to keep victims informed and engaged, recognizing the importance of communication in building trust and ensuring accessibility. It provides regular updates to the public through press releases, radio programs, and nationwide outreaches, ensuring a broad dissemination of information. The Commission further leverages digital platforms, including social media, to disseminate information directly to victims, acknowledging the evolving landscape of communication and the need to reach diverse audiences. Additionally, it collaborates with victim-led organizations such as AVLO to enhance its outreach and support networks, fostering a participatory approach to reparations. These communication strategies aim to ensure transparency and accessibility for those affected by past human rights abuses, providing clarity and support throughout the reparations process. The Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to providing frequent updates as necessary to all stakeholders, ensuring that victims and the public remain informed about its progress and challenges.
Operational Context and Challenges
The Gambia Government is the sole contributor to the Victims Fund and the Commission's operations, according to The Reparations Commission, noting the national responsibility for this critical endeavor. The Commission stated, "The Gambia Government is the sole contributor to the Victims Fund and the Commission’s operations. The Commission is building its programmatic approach to attract resources. Reparations remain the onus of the state; however, as a human rights and peacebuilding institution, we are working to engage more institutions to support our operations, outreach and other interventions, including communication and support to victims." This statement shows the Commission's efforts to broaden its funding base while acknowledging the primary role of the state.
The body faces several operational challenges that impact its effectiveness and reach. These include low annual budget allocations, which constrain its ability to undertake all necessary activities. A lean staffing structure further complicates its work, limiting the capacity to process cases and conduct extensive outreach. Additionally, a lack of vehicles impedes its ability to conduct fieldwork and reach victims in remote areas, posing significant logistical hurdles. These issues collectively impact its ability to conduct its work efficiently and reach all affected populations, making the task of delivering full reparations more arduous. The Reparations Commission's mandate, which is set for five years, is scheduled to end in 2030, though this timeline is subject to extension by the President, allowing for flexibility in completing its key mission.
