Gambia Designates a Special Prosecutor for Crimes Committed During the Jammeh Regime

Almost two years after the position was established, the Gambia appointed a special prosecutor on Wednesday to try crimes committed during the horrific rule of former strongman Yahya Jammeh.

A truth commission found evidence of torture, kidnappings, witch hunts, and other atrocities, and concluded that between 240 and 250 persons were killed by the state during Jammeh’s leadership from 1994 to 2017.

The British barrister Martin Hackett, who has experience dealing with war crimes, genocide, and counterterrorism issues, notably at the UN, was named to the position by the Ministry of Justice. The appointment’s delayed pace was criticized by lawmakers and civil rights organizations; officials explained that this was because of formal procedures and consultations.

The Gambian parliament enacted legislation in April 2024 to create the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) to prosecute crimes selected by the commission and to create a special court within the nation with the ability to convene in foreign jurisdictions. May 2025 saw the official announcement of the opening of the prosecutor position.

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