Victims of former President Yahya Jammeh have expressed concern about the release of two notorious Junglers implicated in serious human rights abuses.

They feared that the soldiers might jump bail.

The soldiers believed to have been part of Jammeh’s paramilitary forces accused of torturing and killing opponents of the former president. 

Victims Centre, the body representing the interests of victims of the Jammeh regime, had a meeting with the army high command to express their concerns. 

In a statement the the Victims Centre said that they “expressed their disappointment on the timing of the release of the Junglers, especially at a time when the Government White Paper is almost about to be released.  

“The VC further expressed their concerns that the timing of the release could also be interpreted as a strategy to free the said Junglers, especially considering the long delays by the government in taking the Junglers to court.”

According to the statement, the delegation further raised fears as to whether the two Junglers and those who were released earlier on will not jump bail or fail to appear when they are needed for prosecution.

“The chair of the meeting and the Armed Forces representatives gave the delegation all assurances that they would be monitored closely, and would be reporting on a weekly basis to the police to ensure their presence in the country.  

“The VC and other victim-led organisations, held a press conference on 19 March 2022 on the Sana Sabally issue, and to further clarify its position regarding the release of the Jungulers by the army. 

“Considering the above, the VC would like to assure all Gambians that it will continue to closely collaborate with the Army, Ministries of Defence and Justice and all other relevant stakeholders, to ensure that all Junglers are prosecuted as per the TRRC recommendations. 

“The VC will continue to closely collaborate with its sister Victim-led Organizations, and CSOs, to monitor the implementation of the TRRC Recommendations by the government.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba