Bai Lowe, a Gambian man, has been handed a life sentence in Germany for his involvement in a paramilitary group called “the Junglers.” Lowe was found guilty of crimes against humanity, murder, and attempted murder, including the assassination of newspaper editor Deyda Hydara in 2004. The unit, known as a death squad, was notorious for targeting opponents of former Gambian ruler Yahya Jammeh, who governed The Gambia from 1996 until his exile in 2017 following electoral defeat. A truth and reconciliation commission established after Jammeh’s departure from power heard testimony from numerous individuals regarding execution squads and other alleged human rights violations that occurred during his 22-year tenure. Human rights organizations hailed the trial in Germany as a significant stride in pursuing justice for the years of abuses endured under Jammeh’s regime.
Lowe faced trial under the principle of universal jurisdiction after being apprehended in Hanover in 2021. Additionally, he was charged with serving as the driver in the attempted murder of lawyer Ousman Sillah in December 2003. His case marked the inaugural instance of addressing human rights transgressions committed in The Gambia during the Jammeh era through universal jurisdiction, as stated by Human Rights Watch.
