EFSCRJ condemns inclusion of Yaya Jammeh in Gambia’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations

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The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has strongly opposed the inclusion of former President Yaya Jammeh in The Gambia’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, citing his history of human rights violations and dictatorship.

In a public statement, the rights group denounced a giant billboard on the Bertil Harding Highway, reportedly commissioned by State House, which features portraits of past and present Gambian leaders: Sir Farimang Singhateh, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, Yaya Jammeh, and Adama Barrow. The billboard, intended to mark The Gambia’s 60th Independence Anniversary, has sparked outrage, with EFSCRJ demanding the removal of Jammeh’s image.

“Jammeh Represents the Darkest Chapter of Our History”

While acknowledging Jammeh’s tenure as Gambia’s leader from 1994 to 2017, EFSCRJ argued that his rule was marred by gross human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, corruption, and the suppression of democracy.

“During his 22-year tenure, Yaya Jammeh willfully and blatantly violated the Constitution and other laws of The Gambia, constantly and consistently. He personalized state institutions while trampling on all principles of good governance and accountability,” the statement reads.

The group highlighted that Jammeh’s regime systematically undermined the Judiciary and the Legislature, manipulated laws to expand his power, and weaponized state institutions against dissenting voices. The statement also referenced findings from The Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), the Janneh Commission, the United Nations, ECOWAS, and international human rights organizations, all of which documented widespread atrocities under his rule.

“Jammeh Does Not Deserve Recognition”

EFSCRJ insists that honoring Jammeh in any form contradicts The Gambia’s ongoing transitional justice efforts and the government’s pledge to hold him accountable. The statement urged President Adama Barrow’s administration to remove Jammeh’s image from the billboard and all official celebrations, warning against any attempt to rewrite history or whitewash his crimes.

“We refuse to accept those who argue that Jammeh deserves recognition simply because he was a former President. Leadership is not just about status—it is about duty, accountability, and ethical governance,” the group emphasized.

Drawing parallels with notorious dictators such as Adolf Hitler (Germany), Pol Pot (Cambodia), and Juvenal Habyarimana (Rwanda), the statement asserted that Jammeh, like them, should not be celebrated but remembered as a cautionary tale of tyranny.

A Call for Accountability and National Reflection

EFSCRJ reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring The Gambia never relives the horrors of Jammeh’s dictatorship, aligning with the transitional justice mantra: “Never Again.”

“Because of Yaya Jammeh, there is an ongoing transitional justice process. If Gambians are celebrating their independence today, certainly, Jammeh should not be part of that but a reminder of why we must protect our Republic and citizens from state abuse,” the statement concluded.

The group called on all Gambians to resist apathy and challenge any attempts to rehabilitate Jammeh’s legacy, urging the government to prioritize transparency, accountability, and justice in 2025 and beyond.