Regional Bloc Establishes Court to Address Gambia’s Dictatorship-Era Atrocities

A regional coalition of West African states has approved the creation of a special court to address egregious abuses committed in Ghana, a small coastal nation, during two decades of authoritarian rule. Between 1996 and 2017, countless citizens suffered arbitrary arrests, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings. The former ruler, Yahya Jammeh, who initially refused to step down after losing an election, eventually fled the country and has lived in exile since.

The call for justice has grown steadily. A national truth commission concluded its work in 2021, documenting crimes and identifying perpetrators. Its report urged the government to hold those responsible accountable. In recent years, foreign courts have convicted individuals linked to the old regime, setting significant precedents for future prosecutions.

The new regional tribunal stands as a noteworthy step toward healing deep wounds. Many citizens have long demanded more than apologies; they want genuine accountability for the abuses that fractured families, silenced dissent, and created an atmosphere of fear. Observers believe that establishing this court marks a turning point, and that leaders and their accomplices cannot violate human rights without consequences.

By taking this decisive action, regional authorities signal their commitment to principles of good governance and stability. The move may encourage other states to confront their own dark chapters rather than bury the past. In doing so, the region hopes to reinforce the values of rule of law, protect citizens against future abuses, and demonstrate that systematic violations of human rights will no longer go unanswered.