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Gambia: Investigate Extra Judicial Killings, CHRI Charges ACHPR

THE COMMONWEALTH Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has called on the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) to investigate the extra judicial killing of 50 Africans in The Gambia.

On Saturday 19th May 2007, during the morning public session of the ACHPR, CHRI addressed the session on critical human rights concerns and raised awareness on the death and disappearance of approximately 50 immigrants, 44 of whom were Ghanaians.

According to a statement issued by CHRI, the immigrants who were said to be en route from Senegal to Europe, were arrested by the Gambian authorities, detained, and subjected to the most heinous crimes of torture by the use of machetes, axes, knives, sticks and other sharp objects. The statement noted that this was disclosed by a top Gambian official who wished to speak out about his government's actions.

As it was later revealed, the remains of these immigrants were found littered throughout the Gambian coastal villages of Brufut and Ghana Town. This incident was also reported in the media but was eventually abandoned.

The Ghanaian and Gambian authorities have since acknowledged that this was a regrettable experience that warranted immediate attention. However, despite agreement between the two authorities to initiate thorough investigation into the matter, this has only met with frustrations. So far, the Gambian authorities have not been able to render positive regard to the matter.

CHRI said for two years now since the incident occurred, no official report has been published to adequately address the matter, which still remains unresolved and is yet to be fully scrutinised.

Human rights defenders at CHRI have been persistently involved in the advocacy of the matter and have lobbied for an audience before government authorities without much success. In the absence of a thorough and consistent investigation the hopes of receiving an official report remain rather faint.

CHRI has therefore called upon the African Commission to initiate an investigation into the extra judicial killings and demand the cooperation and commitment of the two States related to the incident namely, the Republic of Ghana and the Gambia.

CHRI has also insisted that the African Commission, as a matter of priority, request a detailed report regarding the incident from the two states and also demand that the Gambian Government apprehend and punish the perpetrators.

"As we celebrate Ghana's 50th year of independence coupled with the privilege of hosting the African Commission Ordinary Session, it has become pertinent to reflect on such past histories that continue to remain in a vacuum.

"The most basic human right available is the right to life and no person may be deprived of his life without lawful justification. These African victims have had this right abused in the most brutal way possible, and this cannot go unnoticed.

"It is observed that both countries as state parties to the African Commission have vowed commitment to protect, promote and enforce human rights and this must be reflected by positive action from both governments", the statement added.