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Gambia's Journey to Accountability: Insights from Salieu Taal

Send us a Text Message.Can regional cooperation bring justice for crimes committed under a dictatorship? Join us as we examine the pivotal role of ECOWAS in The Gambia’s quest for post-TRRC accountability. Our special guest, Salieu Taal, the past president of the Gambia Bar Association, offers an insider’s perspective on the collaborative efforts to establish a hybrid court addressing crimes from former President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year regime. We highlight the collective work of local and international experts, victims' associations, and civil society in striving for justice and underline the importance of maintaining impartiality in this complex process.Explore the formation of a joint technical committee tasked with drafting a statute for a special tribunal and the substantial progress made by the Gambian government in creating an accountability mechanism for serious crimes. We'll also address the concerns raised by the ECOWAS Parliament about potential interference and the need for continued ECOWAS support to ensure the tribunal’s international integrity. Salieu Taal emphasizes the importance of ongoing victim advocacy and keeping the focus on achieving a fair and just outcome for all. Tune in to understand how international cooperation and local efforts are pivotal in shaping The Gambia's path to justice.Support the Show.Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin

8/23/24 • 40:22

Seeking Justice -Struggles of Enforced Disappearances in The Gambia - Muhammed Sandeng

Send us a Text Message.What if your loved one disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a void filled with uncertainty and fear? In this gripping episode of the Victims Podcast, we invite you to listen to the powerful testimony of Muhammed Sandeng, whose father, the politician Ebrima Solo Sandeng, was extra judicially killed by The Gambia's National Intelligence Agency. Muhammed shares the harrowing details of his family's ordeal, facing threats and intimidation from state officials, and the excruciating suspense that came with the lack of information about his father's fate. Hear firsthand the emotional and psychological toll this tragedy has taken on Muhammad and his family, and his cautious optimism about the TRRC’s recommendations.The episode doesn't stop there. We delve into the broader issue of enforced disappearances in The Gambia, exploring the systemic challenges that impede justice. From the absence of strong domestic laws to the dire need for enhanced forensic capabilities, we shed light on the roadblocks victims face. Muhammad advocates for essential psycho social support and capacity building for those affected, urging the Gambian government to act. Join us in raising public awareness and understanding the profound impact of these crimes, as we discuss the slow pace of justice and the importance of holistic approaches to healing and reparations. Don't miss this compelling and heartfelt narrative on seeking justice for the disappeared.Support the Show.Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin

8/10/24 • 23:38

Heartache and Hope: Mariama Fatajo and Kaddy Cham Speak Out as Daughters of Enforced Disappearance Victims

Send us a Text Message.How does a family endure the pain of a loved one disappearing without a trace? In this heart-wrenching episode of the Victim Podcast, I, Lamin Fadera, sit down with Kaddy Cham and Mariama Fatajo to share their deeply personal and emotionally charged stories of losing their fathers under the oppressive regime of former President Yahya Jammeh in The Gambia. Listen as Kaddy recalls the tragic disappearance of her father, Ndure Cham, in 2006, and Mariama recounts the devastating kidnapping of her father, Siaka Fatajo, in 2017. Their stories highlight not only the emotional toll and the relentless pursuit of justice but also the urgent need for greater awareness and governmental action to prevent such human rights violations.Explore the bureaucratic hurdles and emotional burdens these families have faced in their desperate search for answers. Kaddy and Mariama reveal the frustrating challenges of dealing with unresponsive government bodies, and the small glimmer of hope offered by the formation of a missing person task force. Their testimonies are a poignant reminder of the personal bonds they shared with their fathers, the agony of discovering their fates, and the unyielding quest for justice and closure. Through their voices, we gain insight into the broader impact of enforced disappearances on families and communities, emphasizing the necessity of collective responsibility to ensure such atrocities never occur again.Join us as we underscore the critical need for transitional justice, the implementation of the TRRC recommendations, and governmental accountability. Kaddy and Mariama reflect on the importance of memorializing their lost loved ones and the ongoing struggle for healing in the aftermath of such profound loss. This episode is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to remember, share, and advocate for justice, so that the painful legacy of enforced disappearances does not continue to haunt future generations. Thank you for tuning in, and remember to follow, share, like, and subscribe to the Victim Podcast on social media platforms.Support the Show.Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin

7/19/24 • 44:58

Insight into Ending Female Genital Mutilation /Circumcision in The Gambia: Breaking the Silence - Featuring Fatou Baldeh Founder Women in Liberation and Leadership -WILL

Send us a Text Message.Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply rooted cultural practice that has devastating consequences for young girls and women. In this episode, we sit down with Fatou Balde, CEO of Women in Liberation and Leadership, who shares her poignant personal journey as an FGM survivor. Fatou offers a profound exploration into the cultural and traditional origins of FGM in The Gambia, clearing up misconceptions about its ties to religious practices, particularly Islam. She brings to the table a compelling argument backed by data and community evidence, highlighting the severe health implications and human rights violations that FGM imposes.Our discussion moves to the complex gender dynamics that fuel the FGM debate, debunking the misleading distinction between circumcision and mutilation. Fatou passionately argues against any form of genital cutting, revealing the harmful reality faced by girls in regions where FGM is prevalent. We investigate the motivations behind parliament members and religious leaders' support for FGM under the guise of cultural acceptance, and underscore the critical need for more women in decision-making roles. By educating girls about their bodies, we aim to empower them to make informed decisions and protect their rights.The conversation doesn't stop at highlighting the issue; we delve into actionable solutions. Fatou discusses the importance of community engagement and open dialogues to dismantle the silence around FGM. We touch upon the vital role of journalists and medical professionals in raising awareness and advocating for change. Emphasis is placed on supporting FGM survivors through comprehensive services and maintaining strict laws to prevent backslides in women's rights. Join us as we champion the younger generation's potential to eradicate FGM and celebrate the tireless efforts of grassroots movements and civil society organizations in this critical fight.Support the Show.Host - Isatou , Fatou and Lamin

7/15/24 • 38:05

Chapter 5 : Institutional Malpractices - User Friendly Summary Gov. White paper with ICTJ and Partners - Mandinka Version