Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for justice for the victims of the 2005 massacre in The Gambia, a tragic event in which around 56 West African migrants, including many Ghanaians, were killed by Gambian security forces under the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.
During his first official visit to The Gambia over the weekend, Mahama urged the international community to support efforts to compensate the victims’ families and hold those responsible accountable. He emphasized that achieving justice was crucial for healing the deep scars left by the massacre.
In his remarks, President Mahama acknowledged the progress made through The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in addressing the nation’s past and fostering democratic growth.
“The truth and reconciliation process is vital in healing the wounds inflicted during the less democratic periods of the country’s history,” he said.
President Mahama also pointed out the specific impact on Ghana, noting that several Ghanaian nationals lost their lives in the massacre.
He reiterated that justice for the victims is essential to bring closure to the families affected and to the nations involved.
While praising the ongoing democratic reforms in The Gambia, Mahama stressed the need for a coordinated international effort to ensure accountability and provide reparations to the victims.
