The Victim’s Podcast Isatou

Embark on a journey through the heart of The Gambia's commitment to justice as we welcome Ida Persson, the esteemed special advisor on transitional justice to the Ministry of Justice, to share her expertise on the nation's pursuit of a just future. Witness the meticulous transformation of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparation Commission's (TRRC) 263 recommendations into over 350 tangible activities, involving the collaboration of 61 entities. Our discussion traverses the strategic partnership with ECOWAS, establishing a Special Prosecutor's Office, and integrating an international element crucial for prosecuting human rights violations previously unrecognized by domestic law. The magnitude of The Gambia's efforts stands as a testament to its resolve, serving as an inspiring model for West Africa and beyond.

As we peel back the layers of The Gambia's transitional justice framework, we confront the inevitable complexities and challenges that accompany such a grand vision. With a strategic focus on addressing enforced disappearances and the establishment of a reparations commission, we dissect the government's approach to the TRRC's legacy, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication with victims. The conversation illuminates the dedication to support those affected, mapping out an ambitious plan with a 2027 horizon and a robust $150 million budget. Through this lens, we appreciate the intricate balance between serving justice and nurturing trust within the legal system, acknowledging the high expectations and the arduous path that lies ahead.

Closing our profound conversation, we turn our attention to the nuanced concerns surrounding the implementation of The Gambia's Special Accountability Mechanism (SAM). The insightful dialogue addresses the intersection of local expertise and international cooperation, stressing the delicate dance of maintaining domestic leadership while inviting global assistance, potentially from Commonwealth and ECOWAS professionals, to fill essential judicial roles. We rise above the challenges, offering up The Gambia's story as a beacon of hope, a narrative of courage that redefines the boundaries of transitional justice. It's a resounding call to action for all those committed to the pursuit of accountability, healing, and the unwavering declaration that human rights violations have no place in our future. Join us to embrace the spirit of 'never again' that The Gambia embodies in every stride towards a just and reconciled society.
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Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin

Embark on an enlightening journey with us as we explore the path to justice in The Gambia with esteemed lawyer Abdoulie Fatty. Discover how a hybrid court is paving the way for accountability after the human rights violations committed under Yahya Jammeh's regime. This episode promises to uncover the intricate balance between reparations and criminal prosecutions, and the profound effects they have on society's healing and the rule of law. Together, we'll understand why justice is more than retribution; it's a cornerstone for building a future where such atrocities are relegated to the past.

The pursuit of justice is complex and multifaceted, and this conversation threads the needle through the challenges and innovations born from The Gambia's unique situation. We shine a light on the importance of public engagement and maintaining the momentum of transitional justice. Through this narrative, we reveal the necessity for transparent communication from the government and the urgency of involving living victims in the justice process. Our dialogue with Abdoulie Fatty offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the nation is mobilizing legislative reforms and establishing a Special Prosecutor's Office to cement the foundations for lasting change.

Finally, we address the critical role of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) in giving a voice to the voiceless. We discuss the essential steps being taken to ensure that the harrowing stories of victims are not forgotten but are used to educate and prevent future human rights violations. While the road to justice may be long, the episode emphasizes our collective responsibility to safeguard human rights and honour the courage of those who have spoken out. Join us as we affirm our commitment to a Gambia where reconciliation, reparations, and respect for all its citizens lay the groundwork for a resilient and just society.
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Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin

Listen to the latest episode with Babaka Tracy MPUTU, a legal officer with Trial International. 
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Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin

Get ready to be enlightened as we sit down with Adama  Jallow, the National Coordinator of the Gambia Center of Victims of Human Rights Violations. Known as the Victim Center, this establishment plays a fundamental role in the pursuit of justice during the Gambia's transitional period. Brace yourself for an exploration into the center's outreach programs, victim registrations, and initiatives to magnify the voices of the victims in matters of reparation and reconciliation. Understand the center's profound impact on the lives of victims and the importance of sustainability in its operations. 
Ever wondered about the immense work that goes behind seeking justice for victims of human rights violations? Meet our remarkable guest, Adama Jallow the National Coordinator of the Gambia Center of Victims of Human Rights Violations. Jallow opens up about the relentless advocacy of the Victim Center since its establishment in 2017. We journey through the diverse activities of the center, from outreach programs to media engagements, and their collaborations with organizations like Amnesty International. Mr. Jallow also sheds light on the crucial role of the Victim Center during the pivotal transitional justice period in Gambia.
 
 Now, imagine a support system for victims that goes beyond providing just medical support, one that also educates victims about the transitional justice process. That is precisely what the Victim Center aspires to be. With Jallow at the helm, he voices the importance of the center's sustainability and the need for philanthropy, government aid, and donations to ensure its continuity. Jallow reassures the victims of their ongoing efforts at justice and reparations, highlighting the mental health services and legal representation offered by the center. You won't want to missed Mr. Jallow’s engaging insights, the Victim's Podcast's presence on social media, or his wisdom on maintaining peace amid injustice.


Stay tuned! Adama Jallow gives us an insider's perspective on the struggle to secure adequate funding and the resilience of the staff and board members amid these challenges. As we wind up, Isatou Jammeh, the national coordinator of the Gambia Center of Human Rights Violations, joins us to expound on the Victim Center's mission and its progress in championing justice and human rights in the Gambia. Recognize how crucial it is to stay informed and to lend your support to the Victim Center's commendable work. This promises to be a stirring conversation that will leave you more informed and inspired to contribute to a worthy cause.
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Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin

My name is Kemo Touray, and I am a victim of the events that occurred on May 9, 2016. On that fateful day, my brother and I were apprehended near the pipeline and subsequently taken to the Police Intervention Unit (PIU). The PIU was filled with numerous individuals who, like me, had been arrested. It was a distressing sight, with elderly people and injured individuals among us. The police officers at the PIU treated us with contempt, hurling insults at us without restraint.
After our time at the PIU, we were herded into a truck and transported to Macarthy, located in the Central River Region. Detained there, I endured 52 days of harsh and inhumane treatment. At the detention center, members of the National Intelligence Agency interrogated us. Their line of questioning revolved around our political affiliations and tribal background, although I considered these inquiries irrelevant and unnecessary. Once the questioning concluded, we were all transported to Mile 11 prisons, joining the others who had been arrested alongside us.
In addition to the physical and emotional hardships endured during those 52 days of detention, the aftermath of the May 9, 2016 events took a severe toll on us, both individually and as a community. Financially, the impact was devastating. As a result of the arrest and subsequent detention, I lost my business, which was completely destroyed during my absence. Many others faced similar circumstances, with their livelihoods shattered and their means of income abruptly severed. The financial burdens imposed upon us further compounded our already dire circumstances, leaving us grappling with uncertainty and despair.
Moreover, the repercussions of the events subjected us to societal marginalization and a loss of respect within our communities. The label of being associated with the events of May 9, 2016, cast a shadow over our reputations. People labeled us as radicals or troublemakers, without considering the circumstances that led to our arrest or the injustices we suffered. The lack of understanding and empathy from society only deepened our feelings of isolation and made the process of rebuilding our lives even more arduous.
For a period of eight months, life was nothing short of hellish. The cumulative impact of financial loss, shattered businesses, social ostracism, and the trauma of detention created a bleak and challenging existence for us all. Every day was a struggle, both to survive physically and to maintain hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity.
It is essential that our stories are heard and acknowledged, not only to shed light on the injustices we endured but also to seek redress and work towards preventing such violations from occurring in the future. The road to recovery may be long and arduous, but through collective efforts, support, and recognition, we can begin to heal and rebuild our lives.
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Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin

The pain and anguish my family has endured are immeasurable. It all began with the arrest of my father, a hardworking and dedicated man who ventured into a timber trade, never suspecting that it would be his last endeavor. As the breadwinner of our family, he played an indispensable role in ensuring our well-being and providing for our needs. However, his sudden and enforced disappearance without a trace shattered our lives.
The agony of not knowing what had happened to my father consumed us. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and still, there was no sign of him. Our relentless search for answers yielded no results, leaving us in a state of perpetual uncertainty and despair. The absence of closure inflicted deep wounds upon our hearts, as we yearned for any information that would shed light on his fate.

The truth eventually emerged through the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), revealing the horrifying reality that my father had been killed
. The mere thought of the circumstances surrounding his death sends chills down my spine. Learning that he was brutally taken away from us by the jugular's is a painful truth that will forever haunt our memories.

In our quest for justice, we seek not only solace for ourselves but also a commitment from the government to ensure "never again.


In our quest for truth and justice, we must amplify the stories that have been shrouded in darkness, ensuring they are heard far and wide. "The Victims Podcast" will continue to shed light on untold narratives, advocate for the marginalized, and foster a collective commitment to a world where justice prevails. Remember, it is through our shared efforts that we can create a future where no family has to endure the pain of Human Rights  Violations 

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Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin