-As he Presides over Opening of 2025 Legal Year
His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Sunday, February 9th presided over the official opening of the 2025 Legal Year.
Speaking on the occasion, the President expressed honour for the opportunity, noting that the occasion reaffirms the collective commitment to transforming The Gambia into an enviable democratic nation, championing justice, the rule of law, and good governance.
He pointed out that his Executive’s ambition is not only to improve the dispensation of justice in the country, but also to position The Gambia among the best justice systems in the world, citing the ongoing comprehensive reforms and strategic investments directed at strengthening the justice sector.
He congratulated the Judiciary of The Gambia, ably led by the Lord Chief Justice, Honourable Hassan B. Jallow, and recognised their collective tireless efforts to enhance access to justice and efficiency.
He also made reference to the recent introduction of advanced court reporting tools and software in the courts, describing it as a monumental step towards speedy and impartial access to justice for all.
The President also commended the Judiciary’s initiatives to empower district tribunals through training and capacity building, convening magistrates to establish a collective path towards quicker access to justice, as well as educating communities on legal matters.
He affirmed his government’s resolution to promoting and upholding good governance, the rule of law, and democracy. “By maintaining a clear separation of powers, we have significantly improved the independence of the Judiciary, thereby restoring public confidence in our legal institutions,” he added.
On the transitional justice agenda, President Barrow affirmed progress, as they are moving from policy formulation to meaningful implementation.
”Following the release of the White Paper in 2022, my government set in motion mechanisms to ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations. The decision to establish a Special Prosecutor’s Office and a Special Tribunal underscores our determination to address past injustices with transparency and integrity. These efforts are essential to rebuilding trust and fostering a reconciled and united nation”.
He tribunal, he stressed will investigate and prosecute gross human rights violations and international crimes committed during the previous regime, running from July 1994 through to January 2017.
Other significant issues the President delved in the speech include: the ongoing security sector reform, including enhanced prison conditions, vocational training for inmates, and awareness campaigns on fair trial rights. These, he noted, reflect their comprehensive approach to justice and rehabilitation.
“At present, we can proudly claim that our justice system is stronger, fairer, and more accessible than ever, although our work is far from done. We must continue to build a dignified justice system distinguished by the values of fairness, equality, and integrity,” President Barrow admonished.
