The Secretary General and party leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has commended the government for its decision to hire a prosecutor to handle the alleged human rights violations and other crimes linked to former President Yahya Jammeh.
The GAP leader emphasises that justice must be executed without bias, ill will, or political sentiment. The party expresses hope that this process will not be compromised as past commissions of inquiry were, stressing that the government must avoid wasting taxpayers’ money, particularly the hard-earned contributions of poor farmers, in the name of prosecution.
Mr Batchilly stated that justice must prevail, and all individuals found culpable should face the consequences of their actions without prejudice or favoritism.
The party reminds government that accountability is a universal principle, and those in power today may one day face similar scrutiny after leaving office. “This, we note, should serve as a wake-up call for leaders to govern with integrity and fairness, ensuring that justice is not selective but applied equally to all,” he said.
He urges President Adama Barrow to be mindful of his activities, utterances, and the conduct of those surrounding him, cautioning that the president’s close associates could either serve as his protectors or ultimately create his downfall.
The GAP leader stresses the importance of vigilance and discernment in leadership, saying the credibility of the presidency depends on the integrity of both the leader and his inner circle.
According to him, GAP places the responsibility squarely on President Barrow to take decisive action against corruption and inefficiency within his government.
He calls for a serious overhaul of all corruption cases and a firm stance against laziness in public service.
“It is only through genuine accountability and reform the government could restore public trust and ensure that justice is not only promised but delivered,” he remarked.
