Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has unveiled an extensive legislative and oversight agenda for the Second Ordinary Session of the 2026 Legislative Year, describing it as a critical period for advancing transparency, accountability, and governance reforms in The Gambia.
Speaking at a press briefing in Banjul, Speaker Jatta said the session, scheduled to run from 8 June to 1 July 2026, will continue the Assembly’s Open Parliament Agenda, an initiative aimed at enhancing public understanding of parliamentary processes and strengthening democratic accountability.
Lawmakers are expected to deliberate on several key pieces of legislation, including the Gambia Immigration Bill, 2026; the Urban Market Bill, 2026; the Cybercrime Bill, 2026; the Prerogative of Mercy Bill, 2025; and the Intellectual Property Bill, 2026.
According to the Speaker, the proposed laws form part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s legal framework and address emerging national challenges.
One of the major highlights of the session will be the consideration of the Government’s response to the report of the Special Select Committee on the sale and disposal of assets identified by the Janneh Commission of Inquiry. The response is expected to be presented by the Vice President on 30 June 2026.
Speaker Jatta said the Assembly will also intensify its oversight role through oral ministerial statements and responses under Order 100 of the Standing Orders.
The scrutiny will cover a range of areas, including state-owned enterprises, land administration, foreign missions, security installations, and social welfare institutions.
“These processes ensure that recommendations of Parliament are not only made but acted upon by the Executive,” he said.
The Speaker further highlighted a motion seeking ratification of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG), describing it as a significant step towards strengthening legal protections for women and girls.
He also announced plans to establish a Standing Committee on Government Assurances, which would be tasked with tracking and monitoring commitments made by the Executive before Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kalipha M. M. Mbaye, said the Assembly Service has completed key administrative and procedural preparations ahead of the session, including the finalisation of Order Papers, committee reports and coordination with ministries for ministerial appearances.
Mbaye added that internal tracking systems have been strengthened to improve monitoring of bills, motions, and parliamentary recommendations.
“The Assembly is fully prepared to support a productive session anchored on accountability and evidence-based lawmaking,” he said.
The session will commence with a quarterly oral statement by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs on the implementation of the 2026 national budget.
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