President Adama Barrow at the 2026 Legal Year
By Seedy Jobe
President Adama Barrow on Sunday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s legal institutions, using the opening of The Gambia’s 2026 Legal Year to outline plans for judicial reform, accountability for past abuses, and the continued modernization of the justice system.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Banjul High Court, Mr. Barrow described an independent and efficient judiciary as essential to democratic governance, peace, and economic development, and pledged sustained government support to enable courts and related institutions to fulfill their constitutional mandates.
“The administration of justice remains a cornerstone of our democracy,” he said, adding that a strong judiciary was indispensable for “peace, stability, good governance and sustainable development.”
The president cited progress under the Judiciary Sector Strategic Plan, pointing to improvements in case management, expanded access to justice and steps taken to reinforce judicial independence. He singled out the digitalization of court processes as a major advance, calling it a “transformative endeavour” that would improve efficiency and transparency across the legal system.
Mr. Barrow also addressed efforts to secure accountability for human rights violations committed during the period from July 1994 to January 2017. He announced that the government had enacted the Special Accountability Mechanism Act and the Special Prosecutor’s Office Act, paving the way for the appointment of a special prosecutor to pursue cases linked to that era.
He said a Special Division of the High Court would also be established, describing it as a key component of the country’s broader reconciliation process. “It reflects our collective resolve to confront past acts of injustice while building a future grounded in truth and the rule of law,” he said.
On the international stage, Mr. Barrow highlighted The Gambia’s role in the case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice over alleged atrocities against the Rohingya population. He expressed hope for a favorable outcome, saying the case had positioned The Gambia as “a principled defender of justice internationally.” He also noted the country’s support for a United Nations General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the court on states’ obligations in addressing climate change.
Turning to domestic governance, the president said the fight against corruption was being intensified, announcing that appointments to the Anti-Corruption Commission were expected to be finalized soon. He also pointed to the development of a comprehensive Justice Sector Policy, supported by the European Union, which he said would serve as a roadmap for continued reform.
In a more practical gesture of support for the judiciary, Mr. Barrow disclosed that he had personally approved the replacement of the aging vehicle fleet used by judges of the superior courts. He said new vehicles would be delivered soon to enable judicial officers to carry out their duties “with dignity and efficiency.”
“I am pleased to announce that I personally approved the request to replace the old fleet of vehicles for judges in the superior courts. The new vehicles will be delivered soon to allow our judicial officers discharge their duties with dignity and efficiency”, he announced.
The president concluded by praising Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow, whose leadership he described as distinguished and marked by a strong commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law.
“His service to the nation is one of distinction, marked by a visionary stewardship of our judicial institutions and a strict devotion to judicial independence and the rule of law”.
He urged legal professionals and other stakeholders to recommit themselves to integrity and public service.
“As we open the 2026 Legal Year, let us renew our shared commitment to justice and honest service to the people, strengthen the rule of law, protect the rights of all, and build a justice system that inspires confidence, promotes equity, and upholds the highest ideals of our Republic”, he concluded.
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