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Legal Intelligence · Gambia

Gambia legal & regulatory news

Briefly tracks court rulings, legislation, gazette notices, and regulatory developments across Gambia — curated daily from Gambia's courts, regulators, and leading legal publications. 84 updates tracked in the past 30 days, last updated 10 Sept.

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Regulatory News
Regulatory

Mariama Khan: Gambia Police Permit Delay Hinders Campaign

The Standard Gambia · 28 Aug

Regulatory

CBG Monetary Policy Rate August 2026: Maintained at 14%

The Standard Gambia · 21 Aug

Legal News
Gambia
Legal News

Gambian Government: Confirms Gambia Death Penalty Abolition Policy

The Gambian Justice Minister recently announced the government's policy to abolish the death penalty. This policy position aims to remove capital punishment from the nation's legal statutes.

10 Sept
Gambia
Legal News

Gambia Attorney General: Proposes President-Elect Protection Legislation

The Gambian government plans to introduce new legislation to regulate presidential transitions. The proposed law aims to protect the president-elect before they assume office.

10 Sept
Gambia
Legal News

Gambia Government: Mandatory Research Authorisation Proposal Draws Criticism

In The Gambia, the Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, recently indicated that the government is considering implementing a requirement for government authorization for all research, including opinion polls. This potential policy has significant implications for freedom of expression, academic freedom, and the public's right to information, potentially stifling independent inquiry and critical analysis within the country. For legal professionals, it raises concerns about the scope of state power over intellectual and public discourse, and the potential for arbitrary restrictions on fundamental rights. Such a move could deter international researchers and organizations, impacting data collection vital for development and policy-making, and may also be perceived as a step towards greater state control over narratives and public opinion. The Gambian Constitution, particularly Chapter IV, guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech and expression (Section 25) and academic freedom. Any legislation or regulation requiring prior government authorization for research would need to be carefully scrutinized against these constitutional provisions, as well as international human rights instruments to which The Gambia is a signatory, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The principle of proportionality, requiring that any restriction be necessary in a democratic society and narrowly tailored to achieve a legitimate aim, would be a key legal test for the legality of such measures. The Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, represents the government's position, while researchers, academics, pollsters, civil society organizations, and the general public are the primary stakeholders whose rights could be affected. Attorneys should closely monitor any legislative proposals or regulatory frameworks emerging from the Ministry of Information regarding research authorization. They should be prepared to advise academic institutions, NGOs, media organizations, and individual researchers on their constitutional rights and potential legal challenges to such restrictions. Understanding the scope of constitutional protections for freedom of expression and academic freedom, and the procedural requirements for challenging administrative decisions, will be crucial. Practitioners should also consider the potential for public interest litigation to safeguard these fundamental freedoms.

7 Sept
Gambia
Legal News

Gambia Lands Minister: Bulock Fence Land Belongs To Senegal

In The Gambia, the Minister of Local Government and Lands, Hamat Bah, recently informed the National Assembly that the land where the Bulock military barracks fence was erected is not Gambian territory but belongs to Senegal, following an incident in July where Senegalese soldiers dismantled the fence. This statement by a senior government minister has profound implications for international relations, territorial sovereignty, and national security between The Gambia and Senegal. It officially acknowledges a potential border dispute or clarification regarding a specific piece of land, which could affect future infrastructure projects, military deployments, and the rights of communities living near the border. For legal professionals, it highlights the complexities of international boundary law and the potential for diplomatic and legal resolutions, emphasizing the need for clear demarcation and adherence to international agreements to prevent cross-border incidents. This issue falls squarely under international law, specifically principles of territorial sovereignty, border demarcation, and international dispute resolution. The 1965 Agreement between The Gambia and Senegal concerning the Delimitation of the Frontier, and any subsequent protocols or joint commissions established to manage the border, would be highly relevant. Domestically, the National Assembly's role in oversight and the executive's responsibility for foreign policy and land administration are pertinent. The Minister's statement effectively clarifies the Gambian government's position on the ownership of that specific parcel of land, potentially de-escalating a situation that involved military action. Key parties include the Government of The Gambia, represented by Minister Hamat Bah and the National Assembly, and the Government of Senegal, whose military forces were involved in the fence removal. Attorneys specializing in international law, public law, or land law should monitor developments related to the Gambia-Senegal border. This incident underscores the importance of precise border demarcation and the potential for cross-border incidents to escalate if not properly managed. Businesses operating near the border or involved in infrastructure projects should be acutely aware of the official stance on territorial ownership to mitigate legal and operational risks. Legal professionals may be called upon to advise on international agreements, diplomatic protocols, or potential claims arising from such incidents, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of both domestic land law and international boundary principles.

7 Sept
Gambia
Legal News

Talib Bensouda: No Commission of Inquiry Bars 2026 Presidential Bid

In The Gambia, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, leader of the opposition Coalition 2026, recently asserted that no Commission of Inquiry can prevent him from contesting the 2026 presidential election. This statement by a prominent opposition figure highlights a critical intersection between political aspirations, the findings of state-sanctioned inquiries, and constitutional eligibility for public office. It raises fundamental questions about the legal authority of Commissions of Inquiry, the enforceability of their recommendations, and the ultimate power to determine electoral eligibility in The Gambia. For legal practitioners, it underscores the importance of understanding the legal framework governing such commissions and the constitutional provisions for presidential candidacy, particularly concerning potential disqualifications. The outcome of this matter is not yet reported, as it pertains to a future election and a declaration by a political figure. Commissions of Inquiry in The Gambia are typically established under the Commissions of Inquiry Act or similar enabling legislation, often with powers to investigate matters of public importance and make recommendations. However, their findings and recommendations are generally not self-executing in terms of disqualifying individuals from political office; rather, they often require further legal or parliamentary action, such as prosecution or specific legislation. The Gambian Constitution outlines the qualifications and disqualifications for presidential candidates (e.g., Section 62), and any attempt to bar a candidate based on a Commission of Inquiry's findings would need to align strictly with these constitutional provisions and due process requirements. Key parties involved are Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Government of The Gambia (which establishes Commissions of Inquiry), and potentially the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which is responsible for overseeing elections and determining candidate eligibility. Attorneys advising political parties, candidates, or electoral bodies should be acutely aware of the legal powers and limitations of Commissions of Inquiry. They must understand the constitutional requirements for presidential eligibility and the due process safeguards that must be afforded to individuals who might be subject to adverse findings. Monitoring the reports and recommendations of any relevant Commissions of Inquiry, and preparing for potential legal challenges or defenses related to electoral eligibility, will be crucial for political and constitutional law practitioners. This situation emphasizes the need for robust legal analysis of the interplay between investigative findings and constitutional rights to participate in elections.

7 Sept
Gambia
Legislation

Gambia: Former President's Bill 2023 Pension Fixed at 80%

The Gambian government has amended the Former President's Bill 2023. A new clause mandates a lifelong monthly pension for former presidents.

7 Sept
Gambia
Legal News

Pura Gambia: Gamcel 9-Digit Migration Confirmed for Second Phase

The Gambia's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) confirmed that the country has successfully migrated to a 9-digit mobile numbering system, with Gamcel set to complete its transition in a second phase using the 89 prefix, following the initial migration by Africell, QCell, and Comium. This significant regulatory development, announced by PURA head Njogu Bah during a press briefing, marks a nationwide shift in the telecommunications sector. While Africell, QCell, and Comium completed their migration at midnight on an unspecified date, Gamcel, another prominent mobile network operator, has been allocated the '89' prefix and will integrate into the new system during a subsequent phase. This phased approach suggests a deliberate strategy by the regulator to manage the transition smoothly across all service providers, minimizing potential disruption for consumers and businesses. The legal significance of this migration is substantial for practitioners, businesses, and the public. For telecommunications operators, it necessitates significant technical adjustments to their networks, billing systems, and customer databases to accommodate the new numbering plan. Businesses relying on mobile communication for operations, customer service, or marketing must update their contact information across all platforms, including websites, stationery, and internal directories. From a consumer perspective, this change requires updating saved contacts and adapting to the new dialing patterns, underscoring the need for clear and consistent communication from service providers and the regulator. This event highlights PURA's active role in modernizing and regulating the country's essential utility services. The legal context for this action stems from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Act (or equivalent legislation in The Gambia), which establishes PURA as the primary body responsible for regulating various utility sectors, including telecommunications. PURA's mandate typically encompasses licensing, tariff regulation, quality of service, consumer protection, and the management of national resources such as numbering plans. Changes to national numbering plans are usually implemented through official directives or regulations issued by PURA, often following public consultation processes to ensure stakeholder input. The key parties involved are PURA, led by Njogu Bah, and the mobile network operators: Gamcel, Africell, QCell, and Comium, all of whom are subject to PURA's regulatory oversight. Practitioners should advise their telecommunications clients to ensure full compliance with PURA's directives regarding the numbering plan migration, including technical implementation, consumer notification strategies, and any reporting requirements. For businesses across all sectors, it is crucial to conduct an audit of all communication channels and databases to update mobile numbers, preventing communication failures with customers, suppliers, and employees. Attorneys should also review existing contracts that reference mobile numbers to assess any potential implications or necessary amendments. This event serves as a reminder for legal professionals to closely monitor PURA's official announcements and regulatory gazettes for further guidance, timelines, and any future regulatory changes that could impact utility services and business operations in The Gambia.

7 Sept
Gambia
Legal News

Gambia CDS Gomez: PIU Neutrality Crucial for December 5 Election

Major General Ousman Gomez, the Chief of Defence Staff in The Gambia, recently warned officers of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) to maintain strict neutrality, avoid politics and tribalism, and focus on serving all citizens, particularly in the lead-up to the December 5 presidential election. This directive was issued during a tour where General Gomez addressed PIU personnel, underscoring the critical role of security forces in upholding peace and order without bias during a sensitive electoral period. The warning highlights the Gambian military leadership's commitment to ensuring a fair and impartial environment for the upcoming democratic exercise, emphasizing the need for the PIU to operate above partisan interests and ethnic divisions. This admonition carries significant legal weight for practitioners, businesses, and the public, as it reinforces the constitutional imperative for security forces to remain apolitical and serve the state impartially. For the public, it is a crucial assurance of the integrity of the electoral process and the protection of fundamental rights, irrespective of political affiliation. For businesses, a stable and predictable political environment, underpinned by neutral security forces, is vital for investor confidence and economic stability. Legal practitioners, particularly those involved in human rights, electoral law, or constitutional matters, will view this directive as a benchmark against which the conduct of the PIU and other security agencies can be measured, providing a basis for potential legal challenges should these principles be violated. The legal context for this directive is rooted deeply in The Gambian Constitution of 1997, particularly Chapter XVIII, which outlines the establishment and functions of the Armed Forces and National Security Services, emphasizing their non-political character and duty to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of The Gambia. Furthermore, the Police Act and its subsidiary regulations govern the conduct and discipline of police officers, mandating impartiality and adherence to a professional code of ethics. Electoral laws also implicitly require state actors, including security forces, to facilitate free and fair elections. This warning from the CDS aligns with international best practices and principles for security sector reform and democratic policing, which advocate for security forces to be accountable, transparent, and respectful of human rights, especially during elections. Key parties involved include Major General Ousman Gomez as the issuing authority, the Police Intervention Unit as the recipient of the directive, and by extension, the Gambian government and the electorate as the ultimate stakeholders. Practitioners should closely monitor the implementation of this directive and the actual conduct of the PIU and other security forces during the electoral period. Attorneys advising political parties or candidates should be prepared to document any instances of perceived partisanship or tribalism by security personnel, as such evidence could be critical in electoral petitions or human rights complaints. Human rights lawyers should be vigilant in observing whether the PIU adheres to its mandate of neutrality and non-partisanship, as any deviation could lead to legal action against the state for violations of civil liberties. Furthermore, corporate lawyers advising businesses operating in The Gambia should assess the political risk environment, understanding that the neutrality of security forces is a key indicator of stability. This directive serves as a public commitment from the security leadership, which can be leveraged in advocacy and legal arguments concerning the conduct of state agents during the election.

7 Sept
Gambia
Courtroom Update

Gambia Revising Courts: Launch 2026 Voter Registration Objections Hearings

Magistrates in The Gambia have been appointed by the Chief Justice to preside over newly established Revising Courts, which have commenced hearings on objections related to the 2026 Supplementary registration of voters. This development follows the establishment of these specialized courts by the Office of the Chief Justice, with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) issuing a press release confirming the publication of names of both objectors and the persons objected to at its offices. Hearings are currently underway at various Magistrates Courts across the country, including Kanifing, Bundung, Brikama, Mansakonko, Kerewan, Farafenni, Janjangbureh, Kuntaur, Kaur, and Basse, with specific dates assigned by the respective Magistrates. The IEC has indicated that these hearings are expected to conclude within sixty days of their commencement, underscoring the time-sensitive nature of these electoral proceedings and assuring the public of its commitment to enhancing the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.

3 Sept

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