Our Correspondent
The ECOWAS Parliament is considering a draft decision to establish a special tribunal in The Gambia to prosecute perpetrators of heinous crimes committed during the tenure of former leader Yahya Jammeh.
Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and leader of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has expressed support for international collaboration in the establishment of the tribunal.
“The principle of law is that laws do not act retrospectively; hence, if laws were in place when the events occurred, they should be applied accordingly,” Kalu said in Abuja on July 4, 2024.
“Decisions made in the past in similar situations, based on existing laws recognized by international communities, should be strictly applied to the facts at the time of the event.”
Kalu emphasized the need for international assistance, citing the limitations of existing laws in The Gambia at the time the crimes were committed. “Using existing international structures to address gaps could help emerging democracies in Africa establish their own legal frameworks,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of thorough justice for healing, drawing parallels with Nigeria’s ongoing challenges stemming from the Biafran war. “It is time to be done with war in the Sub-region. Let us think about how we can synergize to build the Sub-region and our individual nations within it,” Kalu concluded.
The proposed special tribunal aims to provide justice and closure for victims of human rights abuses in The Gambia.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s decision is expected to pave the way for the establishment of the tribunal, with the support of the international community.