In Gambia, Africa's smallest non-island state, the 1994 coup d'état marked the end of West Africa's oldest democracy. Under the regime of the dictator Yahya Jammeh, numerous human rights violations were committed, including extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, torture, and arbitrary detentions. Among the thousands of victims, women were particularly vulnerable to the regime’s abuses, either directly or indirectly.

The wives of the disappeared experienced immense suffering. They were never officially informed of the deaths of their husbands, sons, fathers, or other family members, and in most cases, funeral rites had to be performed without the bodies. The wives of soldiers living in barracks were brutally expelled after the executions and had to seek refuge with relatives, losing their homes and status. Women accused of being involved in political opposition suffered all kinds of abuse: harassment, torture, and sexual violence.

All these women often found themselves living in great precariousness, especially those without financial resources. Alongside moral pain and financial difficulties, they faced stigma due to unfounded accusations. The disinformation spread by the junta portrayed the dead or the accused as guilty, provoking a hostile public reaction and generating confusion, guilt, and shame among the victims, in addition to their stigmatization.

Today, in a quest for justice, recognition, and reparation, women victims have united despite their difficulties and traumas. They work together to overcome their physical and psychological wounds, with mutual support fostering their healing and personal resilience. Their sharing of experiences and resources strengthens their ability to actively participate in justice and prevention processes. Through their memory work and the long process of reparation they are building, they become agents of change and bearers of the future.

* Many thanks to Jakana Suso, Fatou Manej, Lele Bongan, Jarra Suwareh, Isatou Marong, Mbyan Demba, Awa Njie, Koumba Jallow (name changed), Isatou Jallow, and Fatoumattta Jallow for their testimonies. With the support of the Wave association (Women’s Association for Victims’ Empowerment) and the Alliance Française de Banjul.