International IDEA initiated a national dialogue in The Gambia on the 2024 draft constitution to revive stalled reform discussions, led by Dr. Chambers to gather insights and foster consensus among key stakeholders, addressing concerns from the 2020 rejected draft.
International IDEA initiated a national dialogue on The Gambia's 2024 draft constitution to revive stalled reform discussions. Led by Dr. Chambers, the dialogue aims to foster consensus and address concerns, including presidential term limits and judicial independence, to align with democratic principles and national aspirations.
The Institute of Security Studies recommends Ecowas seek UN and AU assistance for Gambia's constitutional building process, crucial for security and judicial reforms post-dictatorship. Despite political tensions over the 'Barrow Constitution', Ecowas mediation is urged for stability and transitional justice progress.
The National Assembly is set to debate the highly anticipated Draft Constitution in March, aiming to replace the outdated 1997 version. Past hurdles and political biases pose challenges to its passage, raising uncertainties on its fate.
The National Assembly in The Gambia is convening for its First Ordinary Session of the 2025 Legislative Year to debate the second reading of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia (Promulgation) Bill, 2024, a crucial step in the country's constitutional reform process addressing governance
The Gambia's National Assembly debates whether to approve the Constitution bill without amendments. Chief Justice urges consideration of judiciary recommendations in the constitution-making process, leaving the fate of the bill in the hands of lawmakers as Foroyaa monitors the proceedings.
Chief Justice Hassan Jallow urges the 2024 Draft Constitution to incorporate judiciary recommendations for enhancing rule of law and independence. Recommendations likely include improved remuneration for judicial officers, aiming to strengthen good governance framework in The Gambia.
The Edward Francis Small Centre (EFSCRJ) in The Gambia has urged President Adama Barrow to refrain from seeking a third term in office, following his recent announcement of intentions to run in the 2026 presidential election. The EFSCRJ, led by rights campaigner Madi Jobarteh, expressed concerns over potential political instability and corruption linked to prolonged presidential tenures. The organization reminded Barrow of his previous commitments to presidential term limits and democratic governance, and announced plans to campaign against his third term bid.
The People's Progressive Party (PPP), once a significant political entity during Jawara's administration in The Gambia, is currently facing internal disputes and a decline in influence. A faction within the party has challenged the leadership elected in the December congress, citing constitutional breaches. Uthman Jeng, a representative of the faction, emphasized the importance of constitutional integrity and fairness in the electoral process, stating that the faction is not contesting the election results, but rather highlighting constitutional violations.
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), once a significant political force in The Gambia, is facing internal disputes and a decline in influence. A faction within the party has challenged the results of the leadership election held in December, alleging constitutional violations by some candidates. Uthman Jeng, a representative of the dissenting faction, emphasized the importance of constitutional integrity and fairness in the electoral process.
President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has expressed his readiness to engage in direct talks with Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), amidst ongoing tensions between the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the UDP. The President emphasized the importance of national interests over political rivalries and reiterated his support for constitutional reforms, including presidential term limits. The move signals a potential shift in political engagement as the country seeks a new constitution that balances democratic governance with executive authority.
Gambia's Justice Minister has appealed for international support to establish a hybrid tribunal to address human rights violations committed during the Yahya Jammeh regime. The tribunal, which requires an estimated $60 million in funding, aims to prosecute individuals named in the truth commission's report and provide reparations to victims. The government is committed to implementing the tribunal and other transitional justice recommendations to promote reconciliation and accountability.