This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
Former Gambian vice president Edward Singhateh has admitted to being partially responsible for the arrest, torture, and execution of suspected political opponents during Yahya Jammeh's 22-year rule.
Speaking to the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) in October 2019, Singhateh said, "I am perhaps responsible... for putting Jammeh there."
He also expressed remorse for his role in the regime's human rights abuses, stating, "So, anything that has happened, I feel partially responsible, and for that I'm deeply remorseful."
As Jammeh's right-hand man, Singhateh held several top government positions, including defence minister, under the former president who fled the country in January 2017 after losing presidential elections.
Jammeh had come to power in a bloodless coup in July 1994 and was repeatedly re-elected in disputed circumstances until being defeated in December 2016 by Adama Barrow.
Human rights activists accuse Jammeh's regime of torturing opponents, summary executions, forced disappearances, and rape.
