The Africa Group for Justice and Accountability (AGJA) welcomes the peaceful transition of power in The Gambia and the assumption of office of President Adama Barrow. The AGJA commends the efforts of all relevant actors, particularly neighbouring West African states and ECOWAS, for their role in ensuring that the democratic will of the Gambian people was respected and that the rule of law was upheld. Last-minute mediation efforts led by Guinean President Alpha Condé and Mauritanian President Ould Abdel Aziz proved successful in resolving tensions peacefully.
This is a momentous and historical day for the people of The Gambia. In combination with the unwavering will of Gambians, the mediation efforts of West African states, at the very highest level, has ensured the country’s first peaceful transition of power since the end of colonial rule.
As stated in our statement of 8 December 2016, the AGJA also welcomes the pledge of President Barrow to keep The Gambia a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The AGJA further welcomes President Barrow’s decision to create a truth and reconciliation commission to examine alleged crimes and human rights abuses perpetrated during the rule of former President Yahya Jammeh.
We stand in solidarity with the Gambian people and are prepared to offer any and all assistance and advice on matters of justice and accountability. We welcome The Gambia’s continued commitment to the International Criminal Court and look forward to the new government’s plan on transitional justice and reconciliation.
In line with its Kilimanjaro Principles for Justice and Accountability, the AGJA continues to offer its expertise, mediation and facilitation to all African states, regional organisations, and other relevant actors.