Yahya Jammeh, the former Gambian dictator, is an emblematic figure of the oppression and violence that reigned over The Gambia for 22 years. His brutal reign left indelible marks on the country and its people.
Today, Jammeh is in exile in Equatorial Guinea, but he cannot escape justice. The trial taking place in Switzerland against former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko is an opportunity to highlight the crimes committed by Jammeh and hold him accountable for these actions.
During his trial, Sonko began to increasingly blame Jammeh, claiming that his orders were responsible for crimes against humanity committed in The Gambia. This attempt to avoid responsibility highlights the harmful influence that Jammeh has had on his government and the state apparatus.
The ongoing trial in Switzerland concerns acts of torture and murder perpetrated by Sonko himself. But the revelations made during this trial could pave the way for legal proceedings against Jammeh himself. Indeed, anything said in this trial could be used as evidence to bring Jammeh to justice.
Benoît Meystre, legal advisor for the NGO Trial International, which initiated this trial, emphasizes the importance of holding Jammeh accountable for his crimes. He said it would send a strong message to other dictators and war criminals that they cannot escape justice no matter where they are.
It is essential to remember that Jammeh is accused of numerous human rights violations, including torture, forced disappearances and extrajudicial executions. Gambians deserve the truth about what happened during those dark years and they deserve justice.
The ongoing trial in Switzerland is an important step towards this justice. It highlights the crimes committed by Jammeh and gives a voice to the victims. Hopefully this will result in legal action against Jammeh and the truth will finally come out. The Gambia and the rest of the world have the right to know the truth about the actions of this ruthless former dictator.