She said they are committed to telling the stories of the survivors, supporting the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations and also ensure that the voices of the survivors are heard at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission. In addition, Madam Sandeng said they are committed to documenting a strong case against Jammeh and those who bear the greatest responsibility in the crimes committed by his Government, advocating with the Government of The Gambia, ECOWAS, the African Union and the International Community, for justice for victims and exploring all possibilities and avenues for organising a fair trial for Jammeh and his associates.

Following the joint communiqué, some of the victims were given opportunity to narrate their ordeal with the former regime of Yahya Jammeh. Among the victims were Imam Baba Leigh, Amadou Scattred Janneh, Nana-Jo N’down, Ayeesha Jammeh and Ousman Sowe.

Imam Leigh in his emotional narration, said that he received extreme torture when he criticized the former Government on the execution of the 9 inmates. He said he had challenged the Supreme Islamic Council who supported the killings, by calling a press conference and that he made a special sermon against the killings. The worst from his narration was when he was asked to dig and enter his own grave; that he was buried to his chest and was also asked to go to the media (GRTS) to make a confession that he was persuaded by some Gambians one of whom was the Minister of Agriculture, which he said, he declined.

Mr. Amadou Scattred Janneh said he spent an entire rainy season at the National Intelligence Agency headquarters, fondly called ‘bambadinka.’ He cited that Jammeh has some secret detention centres, one of which was the old Airport Terminal at Yundum. He said he spent over 7 months at ‘bambadinka’ only to be later charged with Sedition and Treason.

Ousman Sowe, one of the victims also said that he was one of those under the former President’s treatment program; that they’ve also faced inhuman acts by the authorities of the former regime.

Tutu Alicante, a representative of Justice for Equatorial Guinea (EG Justice), said ex-president Yahya Jammeh lives in a 7 star hotel in Mongomo, amid tight security. He called on people to join hands to advocate for Jammeh to be extradited and tried.

Benedict D Moerloose of Trial International said Ousman Sonko, the former Interior Minister was arrested 9 months ago and he is still facing investigation. He said the Supreme Court of Switzerland has frozen all the assets of Hon. Ousman Sonko.

Source: All Africa http://allafrica.com/stories/201710250481.html