REMARKS
BY
HIS EXCELLENCY ADAMA BARROW
President Of The Republic Of The Gambia
On The Occasion Of
The Swearing in Ceremony of the Executive Secretary of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission

Thursday, 1st March 2018

Honourable Cabinet members
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Members of the Press

In our journey towards the consolidation of democracy, good governance, human rights and national development, we have moved yet to another strategic level in our judicial reform programme. The swearing of the Executive Secretary is an important pillar in building a strong institutional foundation in the dispensation of justice.

The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission is mandated to look into the human rights abuses committed under the former regime. It is very important to establish the truth for us to take the right and informed decision to compensate the victims of the former regime but also to reconcile as a nation. That does not mean that those who committed human rights abuses will not be brought to justice.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Before going any further, let me avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate the Executive Secretary on your appointment to this important Commission.

I sincerely thank you for accepting to serve your country in this challenging role.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
The appointment of the Executive Secretary is not based on partisan consideration but it has rather been carefully vetted and guided by competence, integrity and qualification.

The task before you is enormous; however, I have full confidence that you will, do your best.

However, given the sensitive nature of the task at hand and the high expectations of the public, I encourage you to deliver efficiently and effectively with a high sense of discipline and honesty.

Essentially, we trust you to bring out the best recommendations in line with your terms of reference without prejudice against anybody.

It is important to note that this TRRC is to investigate numerous allegations of abuse of human rights and willful violations of the Constitution.

My government will stand firm for truth and justice and we are committed to the restoration of human rights, fair play and the pursuit of justice for all.

In this regard, I want to assure you of my government’s maximum support in providing the right environment of transparency and independence for you to effectively perform your assignment without any interference. Clearly, the provision of credible information and pointers by the public is essential for the success of this Commission. I therefore, call upon the public to give this Commission the necessary support and collaboration to enable it to effectively perform this difficult task.
In conclusion, on behalf of the Gambian people and on my own behalf, I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Executive Secretary, Dr. Baba Galleh Jallow for accepting this challenging but worthy assignment, and also wish you well in this important national duty.
I thank you all for your kind attention.