The National Assembly Members of the ECOWAS Parliament on Wednesday received in audience the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) of ECOWAS established to create a Special Tribunal for Prosecution of Individuals recommended by the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Committee (TRRC) of the Gambia.
The delegation led by Ms. Ida Persson, Special Adviser on Transitional Justice in The Gambia was received by The Majority Leader of the Gambia and Fourth Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Honorable Bilaye G. Tunkara along with other members of the ECOWAS parliament.
The visit is aimed to raise awareness among ECOWAS parliamentarians about the tribunal’s purpose and the role of ECOWAS. Although a motion on the tribunal had was debated and rejected by the ECOWAS Parliament on the 5th July 2024, Ms. Persson stressed the importance of addressing concerns and dispelling misunderstandings.
Hon. Billay G. Tunkara highlighted the importance of the engagement if it had taken place prior to the parliamentary debate. Several members, including Hon. Maimuna Ceesay, Hon. Sheriff Sarr, and Hon. Amadou Camara, expressed regret over the missed opportunity for The Gambia and emphasised the importance of continuing discussions with parliamentarians and regional leaders.
The JTC expressed plans to submit a formal memorandum on the tribunal’s establishment at the upcoming ECOWAS Heads of State summit in December 2024.
