Africa-Press – Gambia. The Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow disclosed that records of support and compensation given to victims of the April 10 and 11, 2000 student protests remain unclear, as specific identification of the student victims within the broader list was yet to be established.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, speaking at the National Assembly reveals that compensation has been delivered through two main channels: the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which concluded its work in November 2021, and the Medical Board, jointly constituted by the Ministries of Justice and Health. According to the minister, the TRRC provided compensation to 1,009 victims, but a detailed analysis is required to determine exactly how many were victims of the April 2000 student protests.
He further explained that the Medical Board has conducted medical assessments for 124 individuals, recommending local and overseas treatment. The minister said seven victims have received treatment abroad. Additionally, psychosocial support was offered to 412 individuals, with 389 accepting the assistance, he added.
The Attorney General also stated that business support has been provided to 17 women to help start their own ventures, while 69 children of victims have received educational support. Since February 2024, the Medical Board has continued its work supporting eight victims from the April 2000 incidents. He reported that two individuals have been recommended for overseas treatment, one of whom secured sponsorship from an employer, and another successfully underwent spinal surgery locally and is recovering. The remaining victims continue regular follow-ups with the Medical Board.
In response to questions, the minister clarified that compensation includes families of those who died, stating that victims encompass both survivors and deceased, whose representatives are entitled to compensation.
The Attorney General also updated the assembly on the establishment of the Victims Reparations Commission, officially inaugurated on April 11, 2025, describing it as a significant milestone in the transitional justice process. He said the Ministry of Justice is providing essential coordination and technical support to the commission, including leadership appointments and infrastructure development.
He added that the Accountant General’s Department has facilitated the opening of reparations accounts in Gambian dalasi and US dollars at the Central Bank. Coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank is on-going to ensure budget allocations and fund transfers to the commission.
Finally, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering meaningful reparations and collaborating with international partners and civil society to strengthen transitional justice in The Gambia.
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