Gambia Special Prosecutor: D5 Million Fuels Operational Progress

• The Gambian government has disbursed D5 million to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for initial operational expenses, including salary, security, and housing.
• The Special Prosecutor, appointed in April 2026, has received TRRC records, engaged with victims nationwide, and is supported by a legal officer and the Post-TRRC Unit.
• A draft practice directive for the Special Criminal Division and standard operating procedures for investigations, witness protection, and mutual legal assistance are under development.
• Police officers have been deployed by the Inspector General of Police to provide investigative support to the OSP, focusing on identified priority cases.
• Despite the initial funding, the D5 million is insufficient for full staffing, prompting the Special Prosecutor to seek additional support from donor agencies and development partners.

The development of new procedural directives for the Special Criminal Division signals that prosecutions related to TRRC findings, particularly human rights violations from the former regime, are actively moving forward.

The Gambian government recently provided an update on the operational progress of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), confirming a disbursement of D5 million to support its initial activities. Justice Minister Dawda Jallow informed the National Assembly on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, that these funds were allocated to cover the Special Prosecutor's salary, security, housing, and other immediate operational requirements. This disclosure came in response to an inquiry from Hon. Suwaibou Touray, the Member for Wuli East, regarding the office's advancement.

Significant strides have been made since the Special Prosecutor's appointment on 15 April 2026, followed by his swearing-in by President Adama Barrow in May. The Ministry of Justice formally transferred the comprehensive records of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to the OSP, providing a crucial foundation for its work. Furthermore, a dedicated Legal Officer has been assigned to the office to offer essential legal support, and the Ministry's Post-TRRC Unit is actively assisting in establishing the OSP's internal structures and assembling its operational team.

In a proactive move, the Special Prosecutor undertook a nationwide tour, directly engaging with victims. During these engagements, the Special Prosecutor clarified the mandate of the office and addressed victims' concerns regarding justice and accountability for past human rights violations. Concurrently, efforts are underway to secure additional financial backing, with the Special Prosecutor actively engaging donor agencies and development partners to bolster the office's resources.

Beyond initial setup, the Office of the Special Prosecutor is actively developing the necessary legal and procedural frameworks to facilitate prosecutions. A key initiative involves the preparation of a draft practice directive specifically for the Special Criminal Division of the High Court. This proposed directive is designed to streamline the handling of prosecutions and enhance victims' access to justice, and it has already been shared with the Office of the Chief Justice for review.

Further procedural development includes the creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will govern investigations, witness protection protocols, and requests for mutual legal assistance. These SOPs are critical for ensuring the systematic and secure progression of cases. The Special Prosecutor has also clearly identified immediate priorities and formulated a detailed work plan to guide the handling of cases within the office's mandate.

To bolster its investigative capacity, the Inspector General of Police has deployed police officers to work directly with the Special Prosecutor. These officers are providing crucial investigative support and are currently collaborating on cases that align with the priority areas identified by the OSP, underscoring a coordinated approach to justice delivery.

While the D5 million disbursed by the government to the Ministry of Justice has addressed immediate operational needs, it has been acknowledged as insufficient for recruiting all the additional staff required by the Office of the Special Prosecutor at this stage. Consequently, the Special Prosecutor is continuing discussions with development partners to secure further support, making optimal use of the currently available staff and resources.

The nationwide tour undertaken by the Special Prosecutor was instrumental in directly engaging victims and explaining the new office's mandate, particularly concerning human rights violations committed during the former Yahya Jammeh regime. This direct engagement provided victims with a vital platform to voice their concerns about justice and accountability.

The handover of the TRRC records has equipped the Special Prosecutor with extensive information gathered during the Commission's investigations. With this foundation, the office is now diligently working on refining its investigative and prosecution procedures, preparing to address cases within its mandate and advance the pursuit of justice for the Yahya Jammeh era.

Lawyers should note the imminent operationalization of The Gambia's Special Prosecutor's office and the development of new procedural directives for the Special Criminal Division. This signals that prosecutions related to TRRC findings, particularly human rights violations from the former regime, are actively moving forward, requiring vigilance for potential clients and legal strategy adjustments.

Source: Reporting based on parliamentary updates from The Gambia.