The Victim’s Podcast

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The story of Kerr Mot Ali represents one of The Gambia's most troubling unresolved human rights violations. Founded in 1777 and deeply rooted in spiritual traditions, this centuries-old community was shattered when its residents were exiled following religious persecution under the Jammeh regime.

Kebba Secka powerful testimony reveals how a shift in religious practice—from mainstream Islamic prayer to the "Haqiqah" path—triggered a campaign of harassment culminating in multiple illegal detentions of their spiritual leader and eventually the entire community's expulsion. Despite winning a decisive court case in 2017 granting them the right to return and reclaim their ancestral properties, and despite explicit TRRC recommendations for their restitution, the community remains in exile in neighboring Senegal.

What makes this case particularly haunting is the stark contrast between their treatment by two nations. While Senegal provides security, free electricity for religious programs, and refugee support, their homeland government effectively disowns them. "We are Gambians that have been sent off the soil of our motherland to another country," Secka explains with quiet dignity.

The Kerr Mot Ali situation exposes critical gaps in The Gambia's transitional justice process. As Secka pointedly observes, "If you cannot correct wrong A, B and skip C, it will haunt us in the future." This warning resonates beyond one community's plight to challenge the very foundations of reconciliation efforts nationwide.

This episode, brought to you by the Women's Association for Victims' Empowerment (WAVE), illuminates how religious intolerance can lead to profound human rights violations, and questions whether genuine healing can occur without fulfilling court-ordered restitution. Listen to understand why, seven years after court victory, a community still waits to go home.

What would it take for transitional justice to be truly inclusive in The Gambia? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this unresolved chapter in the nation's history.

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Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

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The Michael Correa trial currently unfolding in Denver, Colorado represents a watershed moment in international justice and accountability for crimes committed under authoritarian regimes. As a former "jungler" - a member of ex-Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's feared death squad - Correa stands accused of torture, extrajudicial killings, and crimes against humanity. This case marks the first time a jungler has faced trial in the United States under federal laws that permit prosecution for torture regardless of where the crimes occurred.

The testimony emerging from the courtroom paints a harrowing picture of life under Jammeh's dictatorship. Second Lieutenant Pharing Sanyang's account stands out as particularly compelling. When ordered by President Jammeh himself to assassinate journalist Dada Hydra, Sanyang took the extraordinary risk of refusing, suggesting instead that proper legal channels should be followed if Hydra was suspected of wrongdoing. This moral stance ultimately placed Sanyang on a kill list, subjected him to brutal torture, and eventually forced him to flee for his life.

The trial has revealed the systematic nature of torture employed by the regime. Witnesses have described being taken to Mile 2 state prison and the National Intelligence Agency headquarters where they endured cigarette burns, bayonet stabbings, pistol-whipping, and near-fatal beatings. Thamsi Jassay, an American-trained naval officer, recounted how Correa personally suffocated him with a plastic bag, forcing him to bite a hole in it just to breathe. The testimony included chilling details of how torturers would call President Jammeh during torture sessions, allowing him to hear the victims' screams over the phone.

What emerges beyond the horrific details of physical torture is a picture of moral resistance. Despite being offered material rewards, including a new pickup truck, to join the junglers, Sanyang maintained his ethical stance. His testimony challenges the defense's narrative that the junglers were merely victims themselves, forced to comply with orders or face death. Sanyang's response was clear: "I told the truth because they were looking for the truth." This statement encapsulates the courage required to stand against tyranny, even when doing so comes at potentially fatal costs.

The Michael Correa case represents more than just individual accountability; it symbolizes a crucial step in Gambia's journey toward national healing and reconciliation. By bringing these crimes to light in an American courtroom, survivors are not only seeking justice for themselves but are creating an international record of the atrocities committed under Jammeh's rule. This trial serves as a powerful reminder that geographic boundaries should not limit accountability for human rights violations, and that the passage of time does not diminish the need for justice.

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Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

Let's keep the Memories of Victims Alive 

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From the corridors of power in Gambia to a federal courtroom in Denver, Colorado, the arc of justice bends slowly but decisively toward accountability. Join us as we witness history unfold in the trial of Michael Sang Correa, former member of the feared Jungler paramilitary group that terrorized Gambia under dictator Yahya Jammeh.

For decades, the Junglers operated with absolute impunity, carrying out extrajudicial killings, torturing opponents, and disappearing voices of dissent. Now, one of their own faces the weight of American law under the Torture Victim Protection Act. This landmark case marks the first time a member of Jammeh's brutal security apparatus stands trial in the United States for human rights violations.

Our reporting takes you inside the courtroom where survivors recount harrowing experiences of torture following the 2006 failed coup attempt. Their testimonies describe savage beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, and psychological torment that continue to haunt them years later. While the defense portrays Sang Correa as a soldier merely following orders, witnesses and former colleagues paint a different picture - one of a man who actively participated in brutality with clear agency and decision-making power.

What makes this trial extraordinary isn't just the charges but what it represents for transitional justice in Gambia. Each testimony breaks another brick from the wall of silence that has protected perpetrators for too long. For survivors watching from across the world, seeing their abuser finally face consequences delivers something precious that years of impunity stole: validation that their stories matter, that their suffering wasn't forgotten, and that justice, however delayed, remains possible.

Follow along with The Victims Podcast as we document this crucial chapter in Gambia's journey toward healing and accountability. Subscribe now to hear exclusive interviews, expert analysis, and reflections on what this case means for international human rights law and the ongoing struggle for justice worldwide.

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Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

Let's keep the Memories of Victims Alive 

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What if the pain of losing a loved one was compounded by never knowing their fate? Join us as Amie Ndow, a dedicated PhD researcher from Harvard University, helps unravel the heart-wrenching reality of enforced disappearances in The Gambia. Through her compassionate lens, Amie sheds light on the silent struggles of children left behind, emphasizing how their stories are often overshadowed in the broader narrative of transitional justice. Her collaborative approach views these young adults as vital research partners, aiming to provide them with a voice and a platform to share their experiences and challenges, particularly when it comes to finding closure and justice.

Amie's work goes beyond just research; it is a call for change and recognition. Through powerful storytelling mediums like film and collaboration with local organizations, she seeks to document the stories of resilience among these young victims, ensuring that their battles do not fade into obscurity. The importance of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission's mantra, "never again," is at the forefront of our discussion, serving as both an educational tool and a beacon of hope for future generations. As we explore the impact of government actions, or lack thereof, Amie advocates for the implementation of critical TRRC recommendations, urging society not to move on without addressing deep-rooted injustices.

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Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

Let's keep the Memories of Victims Alive 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

Let's keep the Memories of Victims Alive 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

Let's keep the Memories of Victims Alive 

Send us Fan Mail

Can justice be served after decades of brutal dictatorship? Join me, Isatou Jammeh, as we investigate the postponed trial of Michael Sang Correa, an alleged member of the Gambian Dead Squad, accused of heinous acts of torture under former President Yaya Jame's regime. This episode unpacks the legal battles, the defense’s motions, and the critical role of due process in ensuring a fair and just trial, even for those accused of grave human rights violations.

Discover the delicate balance between justice for victims and the rights of the accused as we explore recent developments that have pushed the trial date to April 7, 2025. Hear about the pivotal decisions made by the court, the defense's strategies, and the implications for the victims who have waited so long for accountability. Stay engaged with us at the Victims Podcast, as we promise to keep you updated and informed every step of the way.

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Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

Let's keep the Memories of Victims Alive 

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Can regional cooperation bring justice for crimes committed under a dictatorship? Join us as we examine the pivotal role of ECOWAS in The Gambia’s quest for post-TRRC accountability. Our special guest, Salieu Taal, the past president of the Gambia Bar Association, offers an insider’s perspective on the collaborative efforts to establish a hybrid court addressing crimes from former President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year regime. We highlight the collective work of local and international experts, victims' associations, and civil society in striving for justice and underline the importance of maintaining impartiality in this complex process.

Explore the formation of a joint technical committee tasked with drafting a statute for a special tribunal and the substantial progress made by the Gambian government in creating an accountability mechanism for serious crimes. We'll also address the concerns raised by the ECOWAS Parliament about potential interference and the need for continued ECOWAS support to ensure the tribunal’s international integrity. Salieu Taal emphasizes the importance of ongoing victim advocacy and keeping the focus on achieving a fair and just outcome for all. Tune in to understand how international cooperation and local efforts are pivotal in shaping The Gambia's path to justice.

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Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

Let's keep the Memories of Victims Alive 

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What if your loved one disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a void filled with uncertainty and fear? In this gripping episode of the Victims Podcast, we invite you to listen to the powerful testimony of Muhammed Sandeng, whose father, the politician Ebrima Solo Sandeng, was extra judicially killed by The Gambia's National Intelligence Agency. Muhammed shares the harrowing details of his family's ordeal, facing threats and intimidation from state officials, and the excruciating suspense that came with the lack of information about his father's fate. Hear firsthand the emotional and psychological toll this tragedy has taken on Muhammad and his family, and his cautious optimism about the TRRC’s recommendations.

The episode doesn't stop there. We delve into the broader issue of enforced disappearances in The Gambia, exploring the systemic challenges that impede justice. From the absence of strong domestic laws to the dire need for enhanced forensic capabilities, we shed light on the roadblocks victims face. Muhammad advocates for essential psycho social support and capacity building for those affected, urging the Gambian government to act. Join us in raising public awareness and understanding the profound impact of these crimes, as we discuss the slow pace of justice and the importance of holistic approaches to healing and reparations. Don't miss this compelling and heartfelt narrative on seeking justice for the disappeared.

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Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

Let's keep the Memories of Victims Alive 

Send us Fan Mail

How does a family endure the pain of a loved one disappearing without a trace? In this heart-wrenching episode of the Victim Podcast, I, Lamin Fadera, sit down with Kaddy Cham and Mariama Fatajo to share their deeply personal and emotionally charged stories of losing their fathers under the oppressive regime of former President Yahya Jammeh in The Gambia. Listen as Kaddy recalls the tragic disappearance of her father, Ndure Cham, in 2006, and Mariama recounts the devastating kidnapping of her father, Siaka Fatajo, in 2017. Their stories highlight not only the emotional toll and the relentless pursuit of justice but also the urgent need for greater awareness and governmental action to prevent such human rights violations.

Explore the bureaucratic hurdles and emotional burdens these families have faced in their desperate search for answers. Kaddy and Mariama reveal the frustrating challenges of dealing with unresponsive government bodies, and the small glimmer of hope offered by the formation of a missing person task force. Their testimonies are a poignant reminder of the personal bonds they shared with their fathers, the agony of discovering their fates, and the unyielding quest for justice and closure. Through their voices, we gain insight into the broader impact of enforced disappearances on families and communities, emphasizing the necessity of collective responsibility to ensure such atrocities never occur again.

Join us as we underscore the critical need for transitional justice, the implementation of the TRRC recommendations, and governmental accountability. Kaddy and Mariama reflect on the importance of memorializing their lost loved ones and the ongoing struggle for healing in the aftermath of such profound loss. This episode is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to remember, share, and advocate for justice, so that the painful legacy of enforced disappearances does not continue to haunt future generations. Thank you for tuning in, and remember to follow, share, like, and subscribe to the Victim Podcast on social media platforms.

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Creator and Host : Ayeshah Harun , Co - Hosts : Lamin and Fatou 

Let's keep the Memories of Victims Alive