Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Judiciary of The Gambia on Sunday, January 25, 2026, formally opened its Legal Year with a ceremony at the High Court Complex in Banjul, using the occasion to review progress in the administration of justice and outline priorities for the year ahead.
Held under the leadership of the Hon. Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow, the annual Legal Year Ceremony brought together senior judicial officers, members of the legal profession, government officials, and other dignitaries.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the legal profession, the president of the Gambia Bar Association (GBA), Neneh M.C. Cham, commended the judiciary for what she described as “significant strides” in improving justice delivery, while cautioning that major structural and institutional challenges persist.
Foremost among these, she said, are chronic financial constraints that continue to hamper the effective functioning of the courts. Stressing that the judiciary represents the “last hope for aggrieved parties,” Cham urged the government to prioritize adequate resourcing of the courts to ensure timely and effective justice.
She also called for sustained government leadership and support for the country’s transitional justice process, arguing that accountability for victims of the former regime remains essential to national healing. According to her, failure to pursue justice would entrench impunity and make it difficult for victims—and the country at large—to move beyond the transition.
Cham further expressed concern over the continued non-functionality of the Law Reform Commission, noting that although members have been nominated, the body remains operationally dormant.
She underscored the urgency of activating the commission, citing the extensive work required to review and modernize the country’s laws in line with evolving legal realities.
Highlighting lessons from the COVID-19 period, the GBA president advocated expanded use of virtual court hearings, greater automation of court processes, and the recruitment of additional judicial officers across the country to reduce case backlogs and improve access to justice.
Security within court premises also featured prominently in her remarks. Referring to the recent fire incident at the Farafenni Magistrates’ Court, Cham called for enhanced security measures in all courts nationwide to prevent similar incidents and safeguard judicial infrastructure.
On constitutional governance, she reminded participants that democracy is not self-sustaining and requires vigilance, integrity, and institutional independence. She reaffirmed the Bar Association’s role as a guardian of the rule of law, access to justice, and democratic principles, describing these as fundamental to peace and prosperity.
Cham emphasized that the rule of law is the cornerstone of democracy, ensuring equality before the law, protecting fundamental rights, and preventing the abuse of power through independent courts and transparent legal processes.
Addressing recent tensions between youth protesters and law enforcement, she disclosed that members of the Bar had intervened on several occasions to help de-escalate volatile situations.
While urging protesters to respect the law, she also called on security forces to exercise restraint, stressing that dialogue—not confrontation—remains the most sustainable path to peace.
The ceremony was graced by President Adama Barrow, who paid tribute to Chief Justice Hassan Jallow and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding justice, strengthening the rule of law, and maintaining peace and stability in The Gambia.
The Legal Year Ceremony concluded with renewed calls for collaboration among the judiciary, the executive, and the legal profession to deepen reforms and consolidate democratic governance.
