As Ousman Sonko, Gambia's former Interior Minister, prepares to face trial in Switzerland for crimes against humanity, Amnesty International's West and Central Africa researcher Michèle Eken has called for accountability for the atrocities committed under former President Yahya Jammeh's regime.
"Sonko served as Interior Minister for Gambia at a time when atrocious crimes, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence were committed. Survivors and relatives of victims who suffered brutal crimes under Jammeh’s regime are fighting for accountability. Sonko must face justice. Universal jurisdiction is an essential tool for fighting impunity. States should prosecute or extradite perpetrators of crimes under international law — they should have nowhere to hide." Eken said.
Amnesty International commends Switzerland's efforts in bringing Sonko to justice and urges the Federal Criminal Court to ensure victims have the opportunity to follow the proceedings and, where appropriate, participate in the trial.
The Gambian government must also expeditiously investigate and prosecute those identified by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) as potential perpetrators of human rights violations. Victims and their families deserve truth, justice, and reparations.
Sonko served as Interior Minister from 2006 to 2016. In 2017, he was arrested in Switzerland under the principle of universal jurisdiction and charged with crimes against humanity. His trial is set to begin in January 2023.
The TRRC, established to investigate human rights violations under Jammeh's rule, recommended the prosecution of Sonko and 70 other officials. In May 2023, the Gambian government announced plans to establish a hybrid court to address these cases.
Sonko fled Gambia in 2016, shortly before Jammeh's departure from power. His arrest followed the presentation of evidence by non-governmental organizations alleging his involvement in killings, rape, and torture.
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