Former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko finds himself at the center of attention as he is accused of crimes against humanity, torture, kidnapping and extrajudicial killings. This is the first time that a man occupying such a high position has been tried in Europe under universal jurisdiction. This case highlights the dark actions of President Yahya Jammeh’s regime and constitutes the second criminal prosecution against his dictatorship to be brought to justice.
During the trial which began recently, the first victims had the opportunity to testify and share their traumatic story. Among them, Binta Jamba, who asked that Ousman Sonko not be present in the room during his testimony. She accuses him of having murdered her husband before coming to her house and raping her numerous times over several years. His poignant story highlights the suffering endured by the victims of these abuses of power.
Reed Brody, representative of the International Commission of Jurists, emphasizes the importance of this moment when victims can finally share their stories. According to him, this marks the beginning of justice for the victims, where the truth is determined through an adversarial procedure. For these people who have experienced the horror, it is essential to be able to confront their accusers and to have the justice system investigate these crimes.
However, Me Philippe Currat, Ousman Sonko’s lawyer, questions the credibility of Binta Jamba’s testimony, saying that it is full of contradictions. It mentions that Sonko was on mission for United Nations forces in Sierra Leone and Nigeria during the alleged period, and has alibis established by official documents. According to him, the criminal acts were allegedly carried out by the intelligence services and the Junglers unit, without any direct link with Sonko.
This historic trial represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of justice for the victims of Yahya Jammeh and his repressive regime. It gives a voice to those people who have suffered in silence for years and offers hope that those responsible for these crimes will finally be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, this trial highlights the importance of justice in the fight against crimes against humanity and the preservation of fundamental rights. It also reminds us that no one is above the law, even the most powerful political figures. Let us hope that this trial results in a fair conviction and recognition of the victims’ suffering.