The Government of The Gambia has appointed a special prosecutor to lead efforts to prosecute crimes committed during the rule of former president Yahya Jammeh, marking a significant step in the country’s long-delayed transitional justice process.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed on Wednesday that British lawyer Martin Hackett has been selected to head the Special Prosecutor’s Office, nearly two years after the position was created. His appointment is expected to accelerate efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for widespread human rights violations committed during Jammeh’s 22-year rule from 1994 to 2017.
Hackett brings extensive international experience to the role, having worked on complex cases involving war crimes, genocide, counterterrorism, and crimes against humanity, including assignments with the United Nations. His background is seen as particularly relevant given the scale and nature of abuses documented during the Jammeh era.
The appointment comes after months of criticism from lawmakers and civil society groups over delays in filling the position. Authorities had attributed the slow process to consultations and procedural requirements, but pressure continued to mount as victims and advocacy groups called for progress on accountability.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office was established following legislation passed by the Gambian parliament in April 2024. The law provides a legal framework for prosecuting cases identified by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission and allows for the creation of a special court within the country. It also includes provisions for holding proceedings in other jurisdictions where necessary.
The vacancy for the special prosecutor role was officially announced in May 2025, and Hackett’s appointment now signals the beginning of a new phase in the country’s pursuit of justice. He is expected to assume office before the end of the month.
During his four-year renewable mandate, Hackett will oversee efforts to prosecute individuals recommended by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. According to the Ministry of Justice, approximately 70 individuals have been identified for potential prosecution in connection with crimes committed during the Jammeh administration.
The findings of the commission, established in 2017, paint a grim picture of the period. It documented the killing of between 240 and 250 people by state forces, as well as widespread abuses including torture, enforced disappearances, kidnappings, and so-called witch hunts. The commission also heard testimony from nearly 400 witnesses, many of whom recounted harrowing experiences.
In its final report released in 2021, the commission recommended that Jammeh himself, along with 69 other individuals, be prosecuted for their alleged roles in these violations. The report has since served as a foundation for the country’s transitional justice efforts.
Justice Minister Dawda Jallow indicated that Hackett will be required to submit annual reports detailing progress and developments. These reports will be presented to key institutions, including the President, the National Assembly, the Attorney General, and the Economic Community of West African States. This reporting structure is intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the prosecution process.
International observers have welcomed the appointment, noting that it represents a critical step toward addressing impunity. Reed Brody, an international war crimes prosecutor who has worked closely with victims of the Jammeh regime, emphasized the importance of Hackett’s experience in handling complex cases involving command responsibility and crimes of sexual violence.
“Martin Hackett brings serious credentials: complex war crimes prosecutions, command responsibility cases, and work with victims of sexual violence. That experience matters enormously in a case like this,” Brody said.
The broader justice process also involves regional collaboration. In December 2024, the Economic Community of West African States endorsed the establishment of a Special Tribunal for The Gambia. The proposed court, a hybrid institution developed in partnership with the Gambian government, is intended to handle cases related to crimes committed during Jammeh’s rule.
However, the tribunal has yet to be fully operational due to funding challenges. Once established, it is expected to work alongside domestic institutions to ensure that cases are prosecuted effectively. Hackett will have the discretion to determine whether cases should be tried within The Gambia or referred to the regional tribunal, depending on the circumstances.
Yahya Jammeh, whose rule was marked by allegations of widespread abuse, lost power following the December 2016 presidential election, which was won by opposition candidate Adama Barrow. After initially contesting the results, Jammeh agreed to step down in January 2017 and went into exile in Equatorial Guinea, where he remains.
His departure marked the beginning of a new political era in The Gambia, characterized by efforts to restore democratic governance and address past injustices. The establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission was a key component of this transition, providing a platform for victims to share their experiences and for the country to confront its past.
Despite these efforts, progress toward accountability has been slow, leading to frustration among victims and advocacy groups. The appointment of a special prosecutor is therefore seen as a crucial milestone that could reinvigorate the process and deliver tangible outcomes.
The success of the initiative will depend on several factors, including political will, institutional capacity, and sustained support from both domestic and international stakeholders. Ensuring adequate resources and maintaining independence in the prosecution process will be essential in building public confidence.
For victims and their families, the pursuit of justice remains a deeply personal and emotional issue. Many have waited years for accountability, and the coming months will be critical in determining whether the system can deliver meaningful results.
The appointment of Martin Hackett signals a renewed commitment by the Gambian authorities to address the legacy of past abuses. It also reflects a broader effort to strengthen the rule of law and uphold human rights in the country.
As Hackett prepares to take up his role, expectations are high that the Special Prosecutor’s Office will move swiftly to begin prosecutions and ensure that those responsible for serious crimes are held accountable. The outcome of these efforts will not only shape the future of justice in The Gambia but also serve as an important example for other countries grappling with similar challenges.
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