The Correa Trial
The Solo Sandeng Foundation joined other civil society organizations to disseminate the information on the Trial of Michael Sang Correa. Correa is a former member of the Gambia Armed Forces alleged of being a member of former president Jammeh’s hit squad known as the “junglers”. He was arrested in the United States and charged with six counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture. His trial was scheduled to take place from the 17th to the 27th September this year but was later postponed.
Some of the work done by the foundation in the months before the trial are as follows:
- TRANSLATION OF THE CHARGES: The Solo Sandeng Foundation translated the charges against Correa into three local languages namely: Fula, Mandinka and Wolof. The translation was done in two forms; audios which were played on community radios and explanatory videos.
- BROCHURES: The Solo Sandeng Foundation also designed and printed five thousand brochures explaining the charges against Correa and who he is. These brochures were given to community members during our various outreaches.
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS: The SSF also conducted three community engagements in Tujereng and Bijilo. These outreaches targeted victims of human rights violations under the previous regime. The engagements reached an audience of more than 100 people.
- SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS: The foundation also conducted social media campaigns raising awareness around the Correa Trial and the US Justice system. These campaigns took the form of flyers designed and posted on various social media platforms. They included quizzes, FAQs, Definitions, etc.
The Correa Trial has been postponed due to the requirement for his witnesses to obtain immunity from the United States government in order to travel and testify at the proceedings, a request that was not granted. Consequently, Correa’s legal team will travel to The Gambia to gather depositions from these witnesses. The new date for the trial is scheduled for April 7, 2025.
