Barrow Swears In International Prosecutor Martin Hackett as The Gambia Advances Justice Agenda

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

President on Friday presided over the swearing-in ceremony of renowned British prosecutor at State House, marking what government officials described as a significant milestone in The Gambia’s pursuit of justice, accountability, and democratic consolidation.

The ceremony underscored the Barrow administration’s continued commitment to strengthening the rule of law and implementing recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

Addressing the gathering, President Barrow said the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor reflects the resilience and determination of Gambians in demanding truth, justice, and accountability following years of dictatorship and human rights violations.

“We are restoring truth in our institutions and ensuring that heartless crimes and violations of human rights are never repeated,” President Barrow stated.

The President emphasized that the Office of the Special Prosecutor will play a critical role in investigating crimes referred for prosecution, ensuring accountability, and delivering justice to victims and affected families. He further assured the nation that the office would operate independently and professionally, guided strictly by evidence and the law.

The appointment of Martin Hackett is widely viewed as a major boost to The Gambia’s transitional justice process due to his extensive international prosecutorial experience.

Hackett, a British barrister called to the Bar in 1995 after graduating from Aberystwyth University in the United Kingdom, has spent decades handling complex international criminal prosecutions involving terrorism, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and organized criminal networks.

He previously served as Senior Trial Counsel at the United Nations Special Tribunal for Lebanon in The Hague, where he prosecuted major international terrorism cases. He also led the War Crimes Division in Kosovo, overseeing investigations and prosecutions related to torture, enforced disappearances, crimes against humanity, and conflict-related sexual violence.

In addition, Hackett has advised international justice mechanisms in several countries, including Ukraine, Iraq, Uganda, Kurdistan, Tajikistan, and the Maldives. In the United Kingdom, he served as a senior prosecutor specializing in counter-terrorism and serious criminal offences.

Government officials believe his appointment demonstrates The Gambia’s seriousness in pursuing justice through internationally recognized legal standards and independent judicial processes.

The Special Prosecutor’s Office is expected to investigate crimes committed during the period between 1994 and January 2017, years associated with widespread allegations of unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and other serious human rights violations identified by the TRRC.

Speaking after taking the oath of office, Hackett described his appointment as a historic responsibility and assured victims and survivors that justice efforts would proceed with integrity, professionalism, and fairness.

“This is a responsibility I accept with utmost seriousness, fully aware of its historic importance to The Gambia,” Hackett stated.

He further assured victims, survivors, and affected communities that they “are not forgotten” and pledged to discharge his mandate independently while respecting the laws and people of The Gambia.

Hackett also noted that The Gambia’s pursuit of accountability could serve as an important example to Africa and the wider international community on how nations can confront painful histories through lawful and democratic means.