Victims’ Alliance alarmed as murder charge against alleged Jungler Manjang dropped

“While every accused person is entitled to the presumption of innocence and protection of the law, the circumstances surrounding this case require careful consideration of the legitimate concerns of victims and survivors,” the alliance stated. The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) had previously established Manjang as a key member of the Junglers, a paramilitary unit linked to some of the most serious human rights violations committed under former president YahyaJammeh. AVLO stressed that his potential release would reignite physical, psychological and emotional trauma among survivors, undermining their sense of security and willingness to participate in ongoing accountability processes. The group urged prosecutors to ensure the court is fully apprised of the risks associated with bail. It also called for the urgent operationalisation of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO), which was created to handle Jammeh-era crimes but has yet to be fully prioritised. “Delivering justice for past human rights violations is essential for restoring public trust, strengthening the rule of law, and securing a peaceful democratic future for The Gambia,” AVLO declared, reaffirming its commitment to victims and survivors as rights holders whose dignity and safety must remain central to justice efforts.