The chairman of the Gambia Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) has said the Commission’s public hearings into human rights violations under former president Yahya Jammeh would continue until May 2021 beyond the two years deadline. 

The extension of the hearings was granted by President Barrow after a request from the Commission l. 

“The Commission, in compliance with the COVID-19 related health regulations issued by the Government, scaled down its activities. In view of the interruptions in its work programme, the Commission concluded that in order to complete its work in a timely manner, it needed more time beyond the two years provided for under the TRRC Act, 2017,” Dr Lamin Sise said in a statement.

“Accordingly, the Commission, on 18 November 2020, recommended to the President of the Republic to extend the time granted to TRRC until 30 June 2021. 

“The Attorney General and Minister of Justice informed the Commission that the President, pursuant to Section (3), (2) of the TRRC Act, 2017, has approved the said recommendation.”

Dr Sise added: “The Commission will, therefore, conclude its public hearings during the first week of May 2021, and prepare during the rest of May and June the final report containing its findings and recommendations. That report will be submitted to the President in early July.

“In view of the urgency of finishing its work under the revised schedule, and in a departure from tradition, the Commission will not suspend its public hearings during the month of Ramadan (12 April-11 May 2021).”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba