Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: Justice should be a universal principle, applying equally to all individuals, regardless of their status. The recent decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish a Special Tribunal for The Gambia to prosecute former President Yahya Jammeh and his associates for crimes against humanity has been widely applauded. This move is a significant step towards justice and accountability for the victims of Jammeh’s regime.
The United States has praised ECOWAS and The Gambia for this landmark decision, highlighting the courage shown by The Gambia in facing its past and committing to a democratic future. According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy, “The Gambia has shown admirable courage in facing its past and committing to a democratic future, and we commend ECOWAS for its leadership and commitment to human rights and justice. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in The Gambia and ECOWAS to ensure justice and accountability for victims and help build lasting peace in West Africa.”
However, this commendable stance by the United States stands in stark contrast to its position on another critical issue of international justice: the prosecution of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the United States has consistently opposed these actions. The ICC has accused Netanyahu of using starvation as a method of warfare and committing crimes against humanity, including murder and persecution, during the conflict in Gaza. Yet, the U.S. administration has rejected the ICC’s decision, with White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre stating, “We fundamentally reject the court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials.” This opposition is further underscored by the U.S. argument that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Israeli officials because Israel is not a party to the court.
Fatoumatta: This paradox highlights a glaring double standard in the U.S. approach to international justice. On one hand, the U.S. supports the prosecution of Yahya Jammeh for his crimes in The Gambia, while on the other, it vehemently opposes the prosecution of Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. This inconsistency raises questions about the principles guiding U.S. foreign policy and its commitment to universal human rights and justice.
It is crucial for the international community to address these double standards and ensure that justice is applied uniformly, regardless of political alliances or geopolitical interests. True justice requires consistency and impartiality, and the selective application of international law undermines the credibility of global institutions tasked with upholding human rights.
Fatoumatta: I support holding despot Yahya Jammeh accountable for his alleged crimes, just as we must demand accountability from the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the suffering linked to alleged genocide charges. As a moral leader in the world, the United States must ensure that justice prevails and that all human rights abuses are addressed. There should be no double standard—no law for the weak and different laws for the strong.
The Special Tribunal aims to hold accountable those responsible for severe human rights abuses and international crimes that occurred from July 1994 to January 2017, during Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship. This move is a significant step towards justice and accountability for the victims of Jammeh’s regime.
Fatoumatta: In conclusion, while the establishment of the Special Tribunal for The Gambia is a significant step towards justice, the international community must also hold all perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable, including those in positions of power. Only then can we hope to build a world where justice and human rights are truly universal? I believe in the power of justice for both victims and perpetrators, standing firmly against impunity—no one is above the law. Every individual must be accountable for their actions.
