BANJUL – The Attorney General and Minister of Justice announced on Wednesday, 8th April, 2026, the appointment of a Special Prosecutor tasked with leading prosecutions related to the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
This marks a major step in addressing crimes committed during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh, who ruled from 1994 to January 2017.
Mr Martin Hackett, a seasoned British barrister, has been named as the Special Prosecutor. He brings more than three decades of experience in criminal and international law to the role. Barrister Hackett is a graduate of Aberystwyth University, where he earned his LLB (Hons), and was called to the Bar in 1995.
Throughout his career, Mr Hackett has specialised in prosecuting complex cases involving war crimes, terrorism, serious organised crime, and other grave offences. His international portfolio includes senior prosecutorial and advisory roles in challenging legal environments.
At the United Nations Special Tribunal for Lebanon in The Hague, Hackett served as Senior Trial Counsel. He led investigations and prosecutions of international terrorism crimes, managing complex evidence including technical, forensic, and digital data related to covert networks and surveillance.
Previously, he was Head of the War Crimes Division at the Special Prosecution Office in Kosovo. There, he oversaw investigations and prosecutions for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including cases of mass murder, torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, persecution, and conflict-related sexual violence.
He frequently appeared as lead counsel in politically sensitive proceedings and collaborated with both national and international partners on case strategy and witness protection.
In Ukraine, Mr. Hackett has advised the Office of the Prosecutor General and other authorities on prosecutions for war crimes, genocide, and conflict-related sexual violence stemming from the ongoing conflict.
His work included guiding investigations, prosecution strategies, legislative reforms, and victim protection in line with international standards.
Mr. Hackett has also contributed to counter-terrorism efforts in Uganda, Tajikistan, the Maldives, Iraq, and Kurdistan, supporting prosecutors, judges, and forensic experts on case preparation and human rights safeguards in terrorism prosecutions.
He is regarded as a specialist in Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and is known for his advocacy on victim protection and legislative reform.
He regularly speaks at international law conferences and mentors emerging legal professionals.
In the United Kingdom, Mr. Hackett is a Senior Category 4 prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, focusing on Rape and Serious Sexual Offences as well as Counter Terrorism. This reflects his significant experience in prosecuting serious sexual and terrorism-related offences.
