The United States announced the transfer of USD 2.5 million from the sale of former president Jammeh’s house for victims of his regime. This significant financial commitment, derived from a property in Maryland, America, will be directed to The Gambia as reparations for those who suffered under the previous administration. Following extensive discussions and advocacy, the US government and Gambian authorities reached a key agreement: the entire sum would be allocated directly to victims of the former president's rule. This agreement shows a shared commitment to justice and restitution. The transfer marks a significant step in providing tangible restitution to those affected by the previous administration in The Gambia, ensuring that the proceeds from assets linked to the former regime are used to benefit its victims.
Victims' Demands and US Engagement
Victims have actively and vociferously advocated for the direct allocation of these funds, playing a key role in shaping the outcome of the negotiations. The Victims Centre, a key advocacy group, previously wrote to the Attorney of Maryland State, demanding that all proceeds from the sale of former president Jammeh's mansion be given directly to victims. This proactive engagement set the stage for subsequent interactions. When an initial proposal regarding the funds emerged, victims rejected it outright, demonstrating their unwavering resolve to secure full compensation. Subsequently, they engaged directly with both the US State Department and the US Embassy in Banjul to press their case for the funds to be entirely dedicated to reparations. Their persistent efforts were strongly supported by local organizations, including Gambia Participates and the Women’s Association for Victims Empowerment (WAVE), who lent their voices and organizational strength to the victims' cause.
Sheriff Kijera, a senior victim community leader and former head of the Victim Centre, who now heads Accountability Project Gambia, expressed confidence in the process for distributing these reparations. "I have no doubt that the Reparations Commission will do justice in the redistribution of the funds as compensation to the victims," Kijera stated, reflecting a cautious optimism within the victim community. The active engagement of victim groups and their advocates has been central to ensuring the funds are directed appropriately and transparently, aligning with the victims' long-standing demands for justice.
Government's Position and Past Mismanagement
Victims have expressed profound disappointment that the Gambian government spent over one billion dalasis from the sale of former President Jammeh’s assets within the country without providing compensation to those who suffered. This prior allocation of funds has been a point of contention and a source of frustration for the victim community. The government explained that no reparations body existed at the time of those domestic sales, and therefore no money was specifically allocated for victim compensation from those proceeds. This explanation, however, did little to assuage the victims' concerns regarding the perceived lack of priority given to their plight in the past.
It was against this backdrop of past disappointments that Justice Minister Dawda Jallow and his officials visited the Victim Centre to discuss the distribution of the newly acquired US funds. During these initial discussions, Minister Jallow allegedly proposed that "a third" of the funds go to victims, with the remaining "two thirds" retained to purchase property for Gambian embassy staff in the United States. This proposal was met with strong opposition from the victim community, who viewed it as a diversion of funds intended solely for their compensation.
However, Minister Jallow later clarified the government's current stance on the US funds, offering assurances to the victim community. He stated, "The government has always been very consistent that this money is going to the Victims Fund and not any government account." He further emphasized the strict allocation of these funds, adding that "Even the reparations commission cannot use a butut from this money for their operations. So the issue of judicious spending of the money does not arise at all." This clarification aimed to address concerns about potential misuse or diversion of the funds. Minister Jallow also noted the President's personal involvement, noting, "President Barrow has himself taken a lot of interest in ensuring that all the money goes to the victims and that is the instruction we are working on." Minister Jallow also indicated that there is no objection to the Reparations Commission considering an upward revision of the compensation model if such a revision is feasible, signaling a willingness to explore avenues for greater redress.
Assurances and Future Expectations
President Barrow has taken significant interest in ensuring the entirety of the US funds reaches the victims, according to official statements, providing a high-level commitment to the reparations process. Justice Minister Dawda Jallow affirmed that the government's policy has consistently dictated that the fund should go directly to victims as compensation, reinforcing the principle of direct allocation. Jallow further assured the victim community that once the funds arrive, payments would be disbursed promptly, providing a timeline for the long-awaited compensation. Sheriff Kijera, a senior victim community leader and former head of the Victim Centre, reiterated his confidence in the process, stating, "I have no doubt that the Reparations Commission will do justice in the redistribution of the funds as compensation to the victims." This sentiment reflects a cautious optimism that the funds will be handled with the care and integrity demanded by the victims. The Reparations Commission is currently struggling with inadequate funds to complete the payment of reparations for other cases, making the arrival of the US funds critically important for its operations and its ability to fulfill its mandate to all victims.