Chief Justice Edi M.O. Faal Vows to Uphold Rule of Law Free From External Influence

By Fatou Sillah

Newly sworn-in Chief Justice Edi M.O. Faal on Friday pledged to safeguard the independence of The Gambia’s Judiciary, promising that the courts under his leadership will administer justice impartially and without yielding to political pressure, public opinion, or other external influences.

Speaking during his swearing-in ceremony, Justice Faal said fidelity to the rule of law would remain the guiding principle of his tenure, stressing that judicial decisions must be based solely on the law, regardless of whether they are popular or controversial.

“The law must always be applied impartially, regardless of the popularity or unpopularity of the outcome. As Chief Justice, I pledge that I will always follow the law and will never be swayed by external influence,” he said.

Justice Faal underscored the Judiciary’s central role in a democratic society, describing judicial independence as indispensable to maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.

“An independent judiciary is an indispensable institution in every democratic society. A guiding principle of the Judiciary is that justice must be administered according to law, not according to public opinion, popular sentiment, or the preferences of any interest group in society. The legitimacy of the judiciary rests on adherence to the rule of law, not on adherence to popular opinion,” he said.

He identified raising professional standards within the judiciary and improving the timely delivery of justice as key priorities for his administration. He also urged members of the legal profession to uphold the integrity of the justice system by placing the interests of justice above all other considerations.

Justice Faal expressed gratitude to President Adama Barrow for entrusting him with the country’s highest judicial office, describing his appointment as an opportunity to return home and place his legal experience and expertise in the service of The Gambia. He also thanked the Judicial Service Commission for fulfilling its constitutional mandate in the appointment process.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow, Justice Faal commended his leadership in strengthening judicial independence, expanding access to justice, promoting alternative dispute resolution, and restoring public confidence in the courts.

He said those accomplishments have laid a strong foundation for continued reforms aimed at building a judiciary that is more efficient, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the Gambian people.