By Fatu Network reporter
A senior adviser to President Adama Barrow has called for a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual assault including rape against individuals and public officials.
Mai Ahmad Fatty gave the call on Monday, becoming one of the first top government officials to public react to allegations of sexual assault that have been made against former president Yahya Jammeh and a senior official at the ministry of foreign affairs Melville Robertson Roberts.
Mr Fatty said in a statement on his official Facebook page: “I vehemently condemn rape, sexual abuse and perpetrators of rape. Allegations of sexual abuse or rape against individuals and public officials must be thoroughly investigated, and where proven, swift prosecution must be effected.
“Further, a plethora of serious allegations trending on social media, are being made against Melville Roberts who is a Ministry of Foreign Affairs senior government functionary, and former president Jammeh. These very serious allegations and others must be aggressively pursued, without prejudice to presumption of innocence and due process.
“We assure that there will be prosecution upon evidence, and there will be no hiding place in The Gambia for rape or attempted rape. Rapists belong in prison. We must protect the vulnerable and defend the integrity of their persons.
“I am gravely concerned beyond description. Rape leaves a victim with a life time of trauma and scars, particularly girls and young women. Parliament must legislate longer term sentence with hard labour for proven rapists, and require all such convicts for long term rehabilitation. Rape and sexual abuse victims deserve our care, love and compassion.”
