Gambia: D24.8M Jammeh Victims Reparations Disbursed

• The Gambian government has paid D24.8 million in reparations to victims of human rights violations from the Yahya Jammeh era.
• As of September 7, 2026, 112 victims or their families have received full compensation, comprising 91 males and 21 females.
• Payments are processed chronologically, starting with 1994 violations, with 200 more victims from 1994-2001 awaiting imminent settlement.
• Of the 1,009 victims initially recognized by the TRRC, 897 still have outstanding balances after receiving initial pro-rata payments.
• Beyond monetary compensation, the Reparations Commission's medical board has provided rehabilitation and medical support to over 100 victims.

The continuation of compensation payments is directly contingent upon the availability of funds.

The Gambian government has disbursed a total of D24.8 million in compensation to individuals affected by human rights abuses during the Yahya Jammeh regime. This figure was confirmed by Justice Minister Dawda Jallow during a National Assembly session on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The Minister's statement came in response to an inquiry from Suwaibou Touray, the Member for Wuli East, who sought details on the status of reparations, including the number of recipients and plans for outstanding payments.

As of September 7, 2026, the Reparations Commission had successfully provided full compensation to 112 victims or their immediate families. This group comprises 91 male and 21 female individuals. The D24.8 million represents the total sum paid out by the Commission to these beneficiaries, marking a significant step in the ongoing process of addressing past injustices. The government's commitment to Gambia Jammeh era victim compensation is evident through these initial disbursements.

The compensation process is being meticulously managed, with payments processed in chronological order based on the year the human rights violations occurred, starting with incidents from 1994. Minister Jallow further indicated that payments for an additional 200 victims, whose violations took place between 1994 and 2001, have already been processed and approved, with their settlements anticipated in the near future. This structured approach aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the distribution of funds.

Initially, the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) identified 1,009 victims. These individuals received pro-rata payments, which constituted approximately 19 percent of their assessed liabilities, with the understanding that the remaining balances would be settled later by the Reparations Commission. Following the full payments to the initial 112 recipients, there are now 897 victims from the original TRRC list who are still awaiting the full settlement of their outstanding balances. The Reparations Commission victim registration process is also ongoing, extending beyond the initial TRRC list to include victims not previously interviewed or recognized, suggesting the total number requiring compensation may yet increase.

The reparations program extends beyond mere financial payouts, encompassing a broader spectrum of support for victims. Minister Jallow highlighted that the Commission, through its dedicated medical board, has provided comprehensive rehabilitation and medical assistance to more than 100 victims. This crucial support includes a range of services such as therapeutic interventions, mental health and psychosocial support, and general medical care, addressing the multifaceted needs of those who suffered during the Jammeh era.

The continuation of compensation payments is directly contingent upon the availability of funds. The Minister clarified that the timeline for settling all outstanding payments is dependent on the replenishment of the Reparations Fund account, which is held at the Central Bank of The Gambia. This financial aspect underscores the ongoing challenge and commitment required to fully address the Gambia human rights violations compensation, ensuring all recognized victims receive their due reparations.

This update is vital for lawyers advising victims of human rights violations during the Jammeh era in The Gambia, as it clarifies the status of reparations payments, the ongoing process for new registrations, and the chronological payment order. It informs legal professionals on the practical steps and current progress of the government's commitment to transitional justice and victim compensation.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica