By Sanna Camara

The Association of the Victim Led Organisations (AVLO), an alliance of civil society organisations united to advocate for the interests of victims of human rights violations during the era of former president, has clarified that $60 million budget for the special tribunal is not meant for prosecuting Yahya Jammeh alone; rather, it includes 68 other perpetrators, including the Jungler.

The Chairperson of the AVLO, Ms Sirra Ndow was reacting to Mr. Mai Ahmad Fatty’s recent remarks (published in The Standard Newspaper, 14^th April 2025), where he labeled the prosecution of Yahya Jammeh as “unwise” and suggested that the funds would be better spent directly on victims, describing it as deeply disheartening and disappointing.

“It is especially disappointing coming from a legal professional who, more than most, should understand the critical role criminal prosecutions play in securing justice, truth, and national healing. His argument dangerously oversimplifies the real needs of victims and the country’s future,” her statement dispatched this morning stated.

The victims’ advocate explained that the special tribunal being established is not solely aimed at prosecuting Yahya Jammeh. Rather, it is designed to pursue accountability for Jammeh and at least sixty-eight (68) other alleged perpetrators of gross human rights violations found criminally liable by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission, (TRRC), including the notorious Junglers.

“This is not a singular pursuit, but a broader effort toward justice and accountability,” she argued.

While the $60 million budgeted for the special tribunal — about 40% of the total five-year TRRC implementation plan budget (USD 148,850,555) — is significant, she explained that the broader vision of these funds is not solely for courtroom proceedings alone.

“They will be used to build legal and institutional capacity, develop infrastructure, and strengthen the judiciary and security sectors. This investment will have long-term benefits for Gambian democracy and governance, reinforcing the very judicial and institutional reforms the TRRC recommended,” Ndow explained further.

To the AVLO, criminal prosecutions are essential to ending impunity. It reaffirms the rule of law, deter future abuses, and prevent a cycle of revenge and retribution thus contributing to peace and stability, maintaining that “Without justice, there can be no sustainable peace or reconciliation.”