“Accountability is not negotiable…” ANEKED Country Director

By Sheriff Saidykhan 

Sirra Ndow, the Country Director of African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances (ANEKED) has said that accountability is not negotiable in the face of injustice and gross human rights violations. 

She rebuked exiled former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh’s called for unity and forgiveness, saying that cannot be possible at the expense of justice, accountability and reparations for victims.

“In our context, unity and forgiveness is essential; however, it cannot come at the expense of justice, accountability, and reparations for victims. It also cannot come at the expense of reforms to ensure that no one can ever do what he did to Gambians and The Gambia.” she said.

In a recent telephone interview with this medium, the rights activist highlighted the significance of Jammeh’s prosecution to victims. She added that Jammeh committed human rights violations against Gambians and non Gambians alike.

“As to why Jammeh's prosecution is important to victims, First of all, Jammeh is accused of committing crimes against humanity against Gambians and non-Gambians so his prosecution is not only important to victims, but all Gambians and humanity at large.” said Sierra Ndow.

She said Jammeh’s crimes cannot go unpunished, without ensuring justice for victims. She added that it will prevent the recurrence of such crimes. 

“The crimes he committed cannot go away without consequences to make sure victims see and feel that the person that wronged them is facing the consequences and also to prevent anyone else from thinking about committing such crimes in the future.

Additionally, our laws (Gambian and international) say that anyone who commits such crimes must be prosecuted. To ensure we are moving into an era or rule of law and respect for human rights, we have to take these actions.” she concluded.