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Building peace: Plotting a route towards democracy in The Gambia |


For Isatou Ceesay and Tombong Njie, the term “witch hunt” is not metaphorical. Under the regime of former dictator Yahya Jammeh, both were literally convicted of witchcraft.

Ms Ceesay said: “He held people up, tortured them, and that was the end of them. “We were embarrassed to go out. Ms. Njie added.

During his 22 years in office, former President Jammeh has severely weakened the country’s security apparatus and institutions. This mode is characterized by harassment; torture; murders of political figures, journalists, activists and students; and serious gender and sexual violence against women and children.

Miss Ceesay, Miss Njie, and many other Gambians still bear the scars of the abuses of the witch hunt, which began in 2009 and lasted several years. Victims struggle to escape the stigma associated with witchcraft.


Isatou Ceesay, a victim of the Gambian 'witch hunt' campaign.

UNDP Gambia

Isatou Ceesay, a victim of the Gambian ‘witch hunt’ campaign.

Support a difficult transition

In 2016, the Gambians voted to elect President Jammeh and the new President, Adama Barrow, was sworn in in February 2017. However, the nation of two million people has faced a major crisis severe political and social problems due to the absence of independent or effective institutions of justice. and widespread human rights abuses.

The political transition requires urgent reforms to overhaul the country’s institutions, promote democratic governance, address past human rights abuses, and establish respect for the state. rule of law.

One of the ways the UN has helped support this transition is through UN Secretary-General’s Peace Building Fundprovides funds aimed at key areas, such as the security sector and judicial reform.

The UN’s close cooperation with authorities, under President Barrow, laid the groundwork for two major organizations in December 2017: the National Commission on Human Rights and the Truth, Reconciliation and Compensation (TRRC), covers 11 people, and is designed to reflect the country’s ethnic, religious and gender diversity.


Tombong Njie has suffered as a result of a 'witch hunt' incited by former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.

UNDP Gambia

Tombong Njie has suffered as a result of a ‘witch hunt’ incited by former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.

Bringing hope to the Gambia

In January 2019, public truth and reconciliation hearings began, with victims and perpetrators giving their personal testimony. The hearings and outreach activities have attracted great interest from the community and broad participation of the public, including youth and civil society.

“TRRC is very important. I have seen how it has helped people empathize with us knowing that we have been intentionally and wrongly accused,” said Pa Demba Bojang, a victim of the hunting campaign. witch hunt, said.

“People are now yearning to live in peace in this country. The lives of the victims have become better with the help of the project. The project has given hope in The Gambia,” one victim said. another person said.

The hearings were broadcast live on television, radio and online platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. They will not perform for ease of viewing, including incidents of human rights abuses, including torture, enforced disappearance, arbitrary arrest, unlawful detention/murder, sexual and gender violence count.


Ya Jai ​​Bahoum, a victim of the repressive regime of Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh

UNDP Gambia

Ya Jai ​​Bahoum, a victim of the repressive regime of Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh

Support the victims

The UN Peace Building Fund plays an important role in facilitating the hearings. It allows the Commission’s office to stay open, provides critical equipment, technical assistance to the Trustees and staff, and helps ensure victims access TRRC procedures, which involve access with people in the most remote parts of the country.

About 2,000 people benefited from the Victim Participation Fund, which already provides psychosocial support and essential medical interventions. In addition, 30 people received comprehensive witness protection.

In addition to the hearings, more than 34,000 Gambians participated in transitional justice outreach missions and participated in workshops, organized in close cooperation with civil society organisations. civic, religious and traditional leaders.

Since it began holding hearings, the Commission’s accessible and participatory process has helped promote national reconciliation. “We were falsely accused. Some fingers were pointed at us, but TRRC helped us overcome this shame,” said another victim of the witch hunt.



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