Gambian lawmakers have passed two bills that could see former president Yahya Jammeh tried locally for crimes committed during his 22-year rule.

Tabling the bills titled TRRC Bill 2024 and Special Prosecutor Bill 2024, Justice minister and attorney general, Dawda A. Jallow said: “the bills aim to provide a comprehensive framework for prosecuting individuals implicated in serious human rights violations prescribed by the TRRC between 1994 and 2017.  The bills establish  mechanism which encompasses the special prosecutor’s office.

“The special tribunal designed in the form of an internationalised courts tribunal and the special criminal division of the high court. The special accountability mechanism established in this bill is envisioned to take advantage of regional and international support. 

“Simultaneously, the mechanism aims to be as Gambian-driven as possible.  To achieve this a combination of Gambian and non-Gambian judges, prosecutors, experts and staff will be employed with the priority given to Gambians.”

Jammeh has been living in exile in Equatorial Guinea since losing the 2016 presidential election to President Adama Barrow.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba