Chief Justice Calls for Stronger Investment in Human Capital at National Dialogue

By Seedy Jobe

The Chief Justice of The Gambia, Hassan B. Jallow, on Monday, February 16, 2026, underscored the central role of human capital in driving sustainable national development.

Speaking at the Third National Dialogue, Justice Jallow stressed that no country—regardless of the abundance of its natural resources—can achieve lasting progress without investing in its people.

“No nation, despite the wealth of its national resources, can make sustained progress without harnessing its human capital,” he said. “The people must always be the agents, the catalysts, and the ultimate beneficiaries of any development process.”

He emphasized the urgent need for sustained investment in education, training, and capacity building, particularly for the country’s youthful population, describing these as essential pillars for inclusive growth.

“Investment in education training and capacity building must be and remain a key priority for national development. It is indeed the key to national development,” he noted.

Justice Jallow also highlighted the importance of democratic governance, recalling the principle that democracy is “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” He urged all stakeholders to ensure that forthcoming elections are free, fair, and peaceful, while calling for respectful language and conduct throughout political campaigns.

Reflecting on the outcomes of previous national dialogues, he said they had provided opportunities to identify and reaffirm commitment to core national values, including democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, accountability, and social and economic progress, as well as the peaceful resolution of disputes.

“As we reaffirm our collective commitment to these values, we must be guided by the old adage that democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he said.

He further noted that while democracy is intended to serve the people, its foundation must rest on active public participation.

“Democratic government must be based on the sovereign, freely expressed consent of the people, by their freely chosen representatives, selected freely and fairly in an electoral process,” he added.

Expressing optimism about the country’s democratic journey, Justice Jallow said he remained confident in the nation’s ability to navigate the period ahead.

“I am confident we can and will, as a nation, successfully navigate, as we have done many a time in the past, this important gateway to democracy and best equip ourselves to reach the destination of national peace, progress, and prosperity.”