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Gambian President, Adama Barrow Must End Impunity Of Predecessor, Uphold Human Rights—Amnesty International

December 7, 2021

Barrow was re-elected over the weekend in what was described as a landslide victory.

Global human rights advocacy organisation, Amnesty International has called on President Adama Barrow to end the impunity and rights violation experienced under his predecessor, Yahya Jammeh.

Barrow was re-elected over the weekend in what was described as a landslide victory.

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According to Amnesty International, Barrow must show more commitment to human rights issues as he begins his second term.

In a statement by Michèle Eken, its West Africa researcher, Amnesty International said: “As he starts a second term in office, President Adama Barrow must tackle the huge challenge of ending impunity for human rights violations committed during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh which starts with prosecuting alleged perpetrators in fair trials before criminal courts.

“The President’s agenda must also include the repeal of laws restricting freedom of expression and freedom of assembly which can still be liberally used to muzzle dissenting voices.

“We regret that President Barrow did not sign Amnesty International’s seven-point human rights manifesto contrary to several other presidential candidates.

“In addition to protecting freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and fighting impunity, the manifesto includes commitments to take a tougher stance on ending sexual, gender-based violence and discrimination towards women, to promote access to food, employment, education, housing and health, to adopt a national law prohibiting torture and to remove death penalty provisions from Gambia’s statute books.

‘’It’s not too late for the President to make this clear commitment to tackle these pressing issues and we urge him to do so.”