Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has urged the Barrow government to accelerate the process of reparations and justice for victims of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh and his regime, as part of a broader effort to heal the deep wounds inflicted on the nation.

Darboe made the call during a justice march in honour of Ebrima Solo Sandeng, who died in state custody in 2016 after leading a peaceful protest calling for electoral reform. Sandeng was a senior member of the UDP.

As observed every year on April 14, a large crowd of campaigners, many of them UDP members and supporters, took to the streets to honour the late Solo Sandeng and all other fallen heroes.

While addressing the campaigners, Darboe stated: “as we march today in solidarity and reflect on the sacrifices of Solo Sandeng and other fallen patriots, we call on the government of The Gambia to urgently implement the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission. The victims of the Jammeh regime, including their families, deserve reparations and closure.”

He warned that delaying justice and reparations would only prolong victims’ pain and undermine national healing.

Darboe affirmed the UDP’s full solidarity with all victims of the Jammeh regime, reaffirming the party’s commitment to ensuring that their suffering is both acknowledged and remedied.

He also urged the government to expedite reparations for victims and their families as outlined in the TRRC report, prosecute all perpetrators, and establish memorials and educational programs to preserve the memory of those who fought and died for democracy.

By Adama Makasuba