Banjul, 11 May 2026: His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Friday, 8 May, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Martin Hackett as Special Prosecutor at the State House in Banjul.
Mr. Hackett took the oaths of office, allegiance, secrecy, and due execution of duty without fear or favour, ill will, or affection.
President Barrow described the occasion as a historic moment in The Gambia’s transitional justice journey.
“As we convene to swear in Martin Hackett as Special Prosecutor, it is a day to renew our collective commitment to justice and the rule of law,” the President said.
He noted that the establishment and swearing-in of the Special Prosecutor demonstrates his administration’s firm determination to transform the painful experiences of the past into opportunities to build a future grounded in truth, dignity, justice, and prosperity for all Gambians.
President Barrow acknowledged that the moment belongs to the Gambian people whose resilience and demand for justice brought the country to this stage. He paid tribute to the victims and survivors who endured decades of injustice and atrocities, many of whom shared their personal experiences during the hearings of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
“For several years after the submission of the TRRC report, there were doubts about whether prosecutions recommended by the Commission would ever take place,” he said. “We strongly believe that no nation can move forward if serious human rights violations are not properly addressed through legal channels.”
The President emphasized that justice is not about revenge but about upholding the rule of law, restoring confidence in national institutions, and ensuring that such violations never happen again in The Gambia.
He stated that the Office of the Special Prosecutor will play a critical role in investigating crimes, referring cases for prosecution, bringing perpetrators to justice, and delivering justice for victims.
President Barrow assured the nation that the office would operate independently from government influence.
“I assure the nation that this office will function independently. Its work will be guided solely by the principles of impartiality and professionalism, and its decisions will be based on reliable evidence,” he said.
He added that supporting the Office of the Special Prosecutor is a collective responsibility involving government institutions, civil society organizations, the media, victims, survivors, and all Gambians.
“This process is principally about you. Your strength, voices, and perseverance made this moment possible. My administration remains committed to ensuring that justice is pursued with seriousness and respect for your dignity. Justice is the foundation of lasting peace and national unity.” He told the victims
The President called on all citizens, institutions, and development partners to support the process and uphold the values of accountability and justice.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in which The Gambia moves forward with confidence, guided by the principle that no one is above the law and that justice remains at the heart of our democratic system,” he added.
President Barrow congratulated Mr. Hackett on his appointment and wished him strength and wisdom in carrying out his duties.
In his remarks, Martin Hackett expressed gratitude to President Barrow, the Minister of Justice, members of the independent selection committee, and everyone involved in the appointment process.
“I am honoured to be sworn in as Special Prosecutor of The Gambia,” he said. “I accept this responsibility with humility, seriousness, and full awareness of its historic importance.”
Mr. Hackett emphasized that victims, survivors, families, and communities must remain at the centre of the process.
“Their dignity and confidence must guide every decision we take. The process must listen to them, respect them, and ensure that they are not forgotten as the legal work proceeds,” he stated.
He assured the public that the Office of the Special Prosecutor would carry out its mandate with independence, impartiality, and full respect for the rule of law.
“Every prosecutorial decision will be guided by evidence, the law, and the interests of justice,” he said.
Mr. Hackett further explained that the mandate seeks to ensure justice is pursued carefully, fairly, and humanely, while respecting the rights of accused persons and recognizing the experiences of victims and survivors.
He added that the work of the Office forms part of the broader international commitment to transitional justice and the fight against impunity.
“The Gambia’s pursuit of justice is an important and groundbreaking example for the region and the wider world,” he concluded.
By Lamin Kujabi &
Fatoumatta Samusa