The Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta,
By Fatou Sillah
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, on Monday called on members of the newly constituted select committee tasked with investigating the sale and disposal of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh to conduct their work with the utmost impartiality and professionalism.
In a firm address to the Assembly, Mr. Jatta underscored the weight of the committee’s responsibility, cautioning against the politicization of a process he described as pivotal to national integrity.
“Given the sensitivity and significance of this matter in our national history, I urge the committee to maintain the highest standards of impartiality, transparency, and professionalism,” he said. “Let the focus remain on facts, evidence, and due process—rising above all political interests and public pressure.”
Mr. Jatta emphasized that the committee’s mandate extends beyond duty, framing it as a public trust bestowed upon its members by the Gambian people.
“Your appointment to this committee is not only a call to duty, but a solemn trust conferred upon you by the National Assembly, and by extension, the people of The Gambia,” he said. “This inquiry represents a critical pillar in our collective efforts to uphold accountability, safeguard public resources, and restore public confidence in governance.”
The investigation into the former president’s assets comes amid ongoing national efforts to address the legacy of Jammeh’s 22-year rule, which ended in 2017 following his electoral defeat and subsequent exile.
In his remarks, Mr. Jatta also turned briefly to the agricultural sector, extending well-wishes to Gambian farmers as the country enters the rainy season.
“It is often said that agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and our farmers are indeed the true stewards of our land,” he said. “With resilience and determination, they toil from dawn to dusk. May this season bring hope, renewal, and the promise that the seeds we plant today will be the sustenance of tomorrow.”
Mr. Jatta further announced that President Adama Barrow is scheduled to deliver the annual State of the Nation Address on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Looking ahead, Mr. Jatta disclosed that The Gambia will host the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Region from August 10 to 16, 2025 — the first time the country will welcome this significant parliamentary gathering.
“This historic occasion is of immense significance as it will be the first time The Gambia hosts this prestigious parliamentary event,” he said. “We shall welcome speakers, members of Parliament, clerks, and officials from across the African continent under the banner of unity, democracy, and parliamentary development.”
He also updated the Assembly on legislation passed during the previous ordinary session, which has since received presidential assent. The approved Acts include the Gambia Legal Metrology (Amendment) Act 2025, the Gambia Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund Act 2025, the Gambia National Research and Innovation Fund Act 2025, the Gambia Criminal Offences Act 2025, and the Gambia Criminal Procedure Act 2025.