On this occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of The Gambia –Diamond Jubilee, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) joins the international community to congratulate the people of The Gambia as they celebrate this day.
The Commission joins the people of The Gambia at this juncture to celebrate the achievements and progress made since the attainment of independence in 1965, particularly in the promotion of peace, unity and equal rights for all. It is an occasion to reflect and celebrate the transformation of The Gambia into a democratic State under the leadership of His Excellency Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, who made tremendous and remarkable contributions towards the promotion and protection of human rights, within The Gambia and beyond. Despite the political dark period from 1994 to 2016 which posed several challenges to the people of The Gambia, as the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) found in its commendable report with its recommendations, this transitional justice process charts a path towards accountability and healing for all the victims of identified human rights violations committed within that period, and re-affirms the dedication and commitment of the people of The Gambia towards the principles of justice, liberty and equality. The decision to establish the Special Tribunal for The Gambia ahead of the 60th anniversary is highly commendable.
It is also a moment to celebrate the diversity and rich cultural heritage of this united, peaceful and resilient nation - The Gambia, and its comprehensive history, welcoming the new dawn that commenced in 2016 under the leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow. Through the new dawn, under the commendable leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, the people of the Gambia recommitted themselves to the principles and values of democracy, and towards building a new nation that is cognizant of its past, in which free, fair and peaceful elections are held, and also demonstrating commitment towards the promotion and protection of other rights enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of association.
The Commission congratulates the people of The Republic of The Gambia under the leadership of His Excellency Adama Barrow, as they continue to pursue this journey of democracy and economic growth which began on 18 February 1965, making strides towards a prosperous The Gambia in which all who live in it are thriving and fully enjoying their socio-economic rights, thereby contributing towards the attainment of the African Union Agenda 2063 “the Africa We Want.”
Honorable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu
Chairperson, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)
Honorable Commissioner Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana
Country Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in The Republic of The Gambia
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)
Banjul, The Republic of The Gambia
