Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Solo Sandeng Foundation has called on the government of Adama Barrow to urgently review and amend the Public Order Act, arguing that the law must be aligned with commitments outlined in the Government White Paper as well as broader democratic principles.
In a statement, the Foundation expressed concern over the current permit-based system governing public assemblies, particularly Section 5 of the Act, which it said places undue restrictions on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
It contended that the requirement for prior police permits imposes unnecessary limitations on citizens and should be replaced with a notification-based regime – one that would still enable authorities to maintain public order while respecting fundamental freedoms.
The Foundation’s position echoes long-standing recommendations by the National Human Rights Commission, which has consistently advocated for reforms to ensure that laws regulating public demonstrations conform to human rights standards and democratic norms.
The Commission has repeatedly called for a shift from a permit system to a notification framework as a more rights-compliant approach.
The Foundation further urged the National Assembly to collaborate with the executive in introducing legislation to amend Section 5 of the Act. According to the group, replacing the permit requirement with a notification system would help expand civic space while preserving necessary safeguards for public order.
Additionally, it called on the Ministry of Justice and its Post-TRRC Unit to initiate broad-based consultations with key stakeholders, including the Alliance of Victim-Led Organizations, civil society groups, and the National Human Rights Commission. Such engagement, the Foundation stressed, is critical to ensuring transparency and building consensus around the proposed reforms.
The Foundation concluded that timely reform of the Public Order Act is essential to consolidating democratic governance and safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights in The Gambia.
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