By vincess okushi
The Liberian representative in the ECOWAS Parliament Honorable Taa Wongbe has called for an impartial pursuit of the Gambia’s establishment of a special tribunal in its resolve to prosecute perpetrators of heinous crimes during former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime.
In an interview with newsmen at the just concluded first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliamentary in Abuja.
Wongbe stressed that neutrality is important to preserve the trust and confidence of member states.
Noting that ECOWAS’s involvement in the tribunal could compromise its credibility and undermine its role in promoting regional peace and economic development.
The lawmaker argued that while it is crucial to hold to account irresponsible behavior and crimes against humanity, such establishment should be independently by the Gambian authority or seek assistance from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Reflecting on Liberia’s civil war, Wongbe condemned the support some ECOWAS member states provided, stressing that such actions could jeopardize Liberia’s continued membership in the regional body.
Drawing from his personal experiences as a refugee, he emphasized the necessity of punishing those responsible for human rights violations to prevent future atrocities.
However, the ECOWAS heads of state had earlier proposed a special tribunal for The Gambia, but the Parliament unanimously rejected the idea, citing concerns about perceived bias. Instead, they advised the Gambian government to pursue justice independently.
Wongbe maintained that ECOWAS must uphold its integrity and foster unity among its member states.