The European Union has committed nine million euros to support The Gambia’s implementation of the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). 

The Gambia government last year committed to implementing the TRRC recommendations which probed alleged crimes committed by the state under ex-dictator Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule.

But the government has said it lacks the financial resources to do so.

However, the EU’s funding commitment which was unveiled on Friday in Banjul at a conference for stakeholders and donors.

The funding, a new partnership with the UN and The Gambia government, is to support the country’s transitional justice process. 

The partnership was unveiled by President Adama Barrow, the head of the EU’s delegation to The Gambia, Corrado Pampaloni, and representatives of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

“The Government understands the importance of holding accountable all those responsible for human rights violations, as well as providing reparations and support to the victims,” President Barrow said.

“We will strive tirelessly to make sure that justice is served and that the rights and dignity of the victims are upheld.”

Barrow said a partnership platform had been established to “streamline donor support and avoid duplication of efforts”.

The UNDP will provide technical support.

Jammeh ruled The Gambia with an iron fist for more than two decades until he was unexpectedly defeated in presidential elections in December 2016 by political newcomer Barrow, who was re-elected in 2021.

The TRRC found evidence of widespread extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances, witch hunts and other human rights abuses during his regime.