Africa-Press – Gambia. Muhammed Sandeng, the son of the late political activist Ebrima Solo Sandeng, has warned that the return of former President Yahya Jammeh to The Gambia—without full accountability and genuine reparations—would reopen old wounds and re-traumatize victims of his regime.
In an exclusive interview, Sandeng said he supports Jammeh’s eventual return only when the justice system is fully equipped to prosecute him and his alleged accomplices.
“I would love him to return when the time is right, when the necessary structures to prosecute a criminal like Jammeh are in place,” he said.
Sandeng emphasized the need for a special prosecutor’s office to investigate Jammeh and his former officials, accused of human rights violations and abuse of office. He noted that findings from both the Janneh Commission and the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) reinforce the need for comprehensive investigations, stressing that Jammeh cannot be exempted from accountability until these processes are concluded.
He further cautioned that Jammeh’s return carries serious implications for national security, accountability, and social cohesion.
“Following the institution of various transitional justice processes in the country, which have leveled serious allegations of crimes so far against Jammeh, his announced intention to return to Gambia raises questions about how the government would respond to such a potential threat to peace,” Sandeng said.
He reminded the government of its constitutional duty to preserve peace, order, and stability—elements he believes Jammeh’s return could jeopardize.
Former President Yahya Jammeh, who ruled The Gambia for 22 years under an authoritarian regime marked by alleged extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances, announced on October 26, 2025, that he intends to return from his nine-year exile in November.
While his planned return has generated mixed reactions among Gambians, the government has stated that Jammeh will be welcomed back—but must face justice for alleged human rights abuses committed during his tenure.
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