The Swiss Federal Criminal Court will deliver its judgment on December 1, 2026, in the appeal of former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity committed during the rule of former President Yahya Jammeh.
The prosecution, Sonko and ten plaintiffs have challenged aspects of the May 2024 ruling.
The appeal hearings opened on March 30 and concluded on April 16, 2026, with the court examining issues relating to Sonko’s criminal responsibility, the evidence supporting his convictions, the classification of the crimes and the appropriateness of his sentence.
Sonko was convicted on May 15, 2024, for multiple crimes against humanity committed in The Gambia between 2000 and 2016, including killings, torture and unlawful detention. The court also ordered his expulsion from Switzerland for 12 years.
The appeal proceedings also addressed disputed findings relating to sexual-offence charges that were discontinued during the original trial.
Sonko, who served as interior minister under Jammeh, was arrested in Switzerland in January 2017.
The December 1 judgment is expected to determine the outcome of the appeals and clarify whether the original ruling will be upheld, amended or otherwise changed.
The case remains significant for survivors, human rights organisations and transitional justice advocates seeking accountability for abuses committed during Jammeh’s 22-year rule in The Gambia.
By Sang Donald Mendy
