The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has issued an urgent public call for President Adama Barrow to immediately establish a “Presidential Committee on the Return of Yahya Jammeh” to manage the former dictator’s announced intention to return from exile this month and ensure his subsequent prosecution proceeds peacefully and lawfully.
In a detailed statement released today, the Banjul-based human rights organisation warned that the government’s silence since Jammeh’s 26 October announcement risks turning his arrival into a national crisis.
While the Ministry of Justice confirmed on 28 October that Jammeh retains the constitutional right to return but will face prosecution as recommended by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), no further public preparations have been disclosed.
“This is the first time Jammeh has given a specific timeline and formally notified the government,” the EFSCRJ statement reads. “The absence of visible planning is deeply concerning, given the former president’s divisive influence and the gravity of the crimes documented against him.”
The TRRC’s final report, accepted by the government in its 2022 White Paper, recommended prosecution of Jammeh and dozens of his associates for extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, sexual violence, and arbitrary detention during his 22-year rule. Legislation to create a special tribunal is reportedly at an advanced stage.
The proposed Presidential Committee would be tasked with resolving a long list of practical and legal questions, including:
Whether Jammeh will be arrested on arrival at Banjul International Airport or allowed to proceed to a residence, Which agency will execute the arrest, and where will he initially be held, How the constitutional 72-hour detention limit will be observed, Which property (if any) he may use, given that his known assets remain under state receivership, Conditions of potential bail pending establishment of the special tribunal and The process for lifting former presidential immunity under Section 69(3)(b) of the 1997 Constitution.
The EFSCRJ insists the committee must include victims’ representatives, civil society organisations, and the National Human Rights Commission to guarantee legitimacy and public trust.
The statement also urges the government to engage the African Union, ECOWAS, the United Nations, and, crucially, Equatorial Guinea – where Jammeh has lived in exile since January 2017 – to coordinate his departure and possible transfer.
Finally, the rights group called on President Barrow to deliver a nationwide address outlining all preparations, stressing that transparency is essential to calm victims’ fears, manage supporters’ expectations, and prevent unrest.
“Leadership requires being a step ahead. A dedicated presidential committee is the responsible mechanism to receive Yahya Jammeh peacefully, protect the rule of law, and ensure that justice – delayed for too long – is finally served without plunging the country into chaos,’ the Group said.
As of Thursday evening, the Office of the President had not responded to the EFSCRJ statement.
