GENEVA, Switzerland (KAAB TV) – Amnesty International has called for accountability ahead of the trial of Ousman Sonko, former Interior Minister of Gambia, before the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Sonko is accused of crimes against humanity allegedly committed between 2000 and 2016 under former President Yahya Jammeh.
Michèle Eken, Amnesty International’s researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa office, emphasized the importance of universal jurisdiction in combating impunity.
Eken stated, “Universal jurisdiction is an essential tool for fighting impunity. States should prosecute or extradite perpetrators of crimes under international law — they should have nowhere to hide.”
Switzerland’s efforts in prosecuting Sonko were commended by Amnesty International, and the organization encouraged the Federal Criminal Court to enhance the ability of victims to follow the proceedings and participate in the trial.
Eken urged the Gambian government to expedite the investigation and prosecution of individuals identified as potential perpetrators of human rights violations by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
The TRRC recommended the prosecution of 70 officials, including Sonko, in November 2021. The government’s implementation plan, published in May 2023, includes the creation of a hybrid court.
Ousman Sonko, who served as Gambia’s Interior Minister from 2006 to 2016, was arrested in Switzerland on 26 January 2017, under the principle of universal jurisdiction.
He faces charges of committing crimes against humanity. Sonko fled the country in 2016, shortly before former President Jammeh lost power, and was arrested after evidence of his alleged involvement in killings, rape, and torture was presented by non-governmental organizations.
The trial is set to begin on 8 January 2023.