Africa’s recurring military coups are often blamed on soldiers’ ambition, yet they are rooted in a long history of constitutional abuse by civilian leaders. From manipulated constitutions to the monopolisation of power, these “constitutional coups” have steadily closed off peaceful avenues for change. Baba Galleh Jallow argues that until this underlying problem is confronted, condemning military takeovers will remain an empty ritual. More in the opinion piece.

What was presented as a fresh start for The Gambia’s democracy has instead proved to be a calculated political manoeuvre. The Barrow administration’s so-called constitutional reform—framed as an escape from the 1997 Constitution—was ultimately a draft designed to consolidate the president’s power. With its rejection in the National Assembly, it is clear the government’s agenda was never about strengthening democracy but about protecting one man’s political future. More in this opinion piece.

Speaker Jatta ruled for Finance Minister Keita to apologise to Parliament after admitting violating section 152 (1) of the 1997 Constitution which requires the President to cause the Finance Minister to table the Budget sixty days before the end of the year. But is an apology consistent with the dictates of the Constitution when violated by the President or a Minister?

Our eighth publication in the Barrow Papers column by Madi Jobarteh argues that the new Barrow Government's Draft Constitution Gazetted in August 2024 will weaken independent Institutions and accountability in the country.

This is the seventh publication in a series of articles focusing on the 2024 Draft Constitution Gazetted by the Gambia Government on 14th August 2024 written by Human Rights Advocate, Madi Jobarteh. There are six parts to the sixth publication so far.

This is the sixth publication in a series of articles focusing on the 2024 Draft Constitution Gazetted by the Gambia Government on 14th August 2024 written by Human Rights Advocate, Madi Jobarteh. There are five parts to the sixth publication so far.

This is the sixth publication in a series of articles focusing on the 2024 Draft Constitution Gazetted by the Gambia Government on 14th August 2024 written by Human Rights Advocate, Madi Jobarteh. There are four parts to the sixth publication so far.

This is the sixth publication in a series of articles focusing on the 2024 Draft Constitution Gazetted by the Gambia Government on 14th August 2024 written by Human Rights Advocate, Madi Jobarteh. There are three parts to the sixth publication so far.

This is the sixth publication in a series of articles focusing on the 2024 Draft Constitution Gazetted by the Gambia Government on 14th August 2024 written by Human Rights Advocate, Madi Jobarteh. There are two parts to the sixth publication so far.

This is the sixth publication in a series of articles focusing on the 2024 Draft Constitution Gazetted by the Gambia Government on 14th August 2024 written by Human Rights Advocate, Madi Jobarteh.