TRRC's lead counsel, Essa Faal's mother and father have both passed away within five months. 

Essa, who was born and brought up in Banjul, is the most prominent child of the couple who were married for decades. 

His mother, Aja. Fatou Jagne died in July at the age of 76. His father, a veteran educationist, died on the 20th November. They were buried in The Gambia. 

Shortly after his dad's death was announced, Fatou Rahman Coker of Elite Media wrote on Facebook: "Another sad news ndeysan. We have lost another respectable, historian, educationist and father, Uncle Mbye Faal. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Essa Mbye Faal, Haddy Faal and the entire family. Essa, please take heart." 

In a statement, Essa's family disclosed that his father was a famous educationist, who was fondly known as Mbye Faal Rankin.