In July 2023, the ECOWAS Court of Justice delivered a landmark judgment in Nana-Jo Ndow v The Gambia, holding the State responsible for violating the right to life of Saul Ndow and the right to remedy of his family. Saul Ndow, a businessman and critic of former President Yahya Jammeh, was abducted and forcibly disappeared in 2013 during the Jammeh regime. The Court found that The Gambia failed to properly investigate and prosecute those responsible and ordered the government to pay USD 100,000 in reparations to his daughter, Nana-Jo Ndow. It further directed the State to report within six months on steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

Nearly two years after the judgment, implementation remains pending. In August 2025, IHRDA engaged with the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to follow up on compliance with the Court’s decision, particularly the payment of the compensation awarded. The government acknowledged that implementation is long overdue and expressed willingness to propose a payment plan to settle the judgment debt.

While this engagement signals renewed commitment, full compliance with the Court’s orders—including payment of reparations and concrete action on accountability measures—remains outstanding. IHRDA will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure that justice for Nana-Jo Ndow and her family moves from judgment to meaningful implementation.