Basse Magistrate Decries Witchcraft Accusations as WAVE Engages Community
Magistrate Peter Che of Basse has raised the alarm over the ongoing practice of witchcraft accusations in the Basse, describing it as a dangerous legacy of the past now magnified by social media. The Magistrate emphasized that although the former president is no longer in power, the issue of witchcraft accusations persists. More in this report.
Crackdown on Dissent: Gambia’s Public Order Act Blocks Peaceful Protest
Despite constitutional guarantees of peaceful assembly, The Gambia’s Public Order Act continues to be wielded against activists, with the recent arrest of members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) highlighting ongoing tensions between civil liberties and state control. More in the report.
Sierra Leone and Liberia Overtake The Gambia in African Press Freedom Index
In 2023, The Gambia ranked 5th in Africa and 46th globally, positioned between the United States and South Korea. However, this year, the country has fallen to 11th place, marking a setback for the ambitious goal set by the new Information Minister to make The Gambia the top-ranked country in Africa for press freedom. Achieving this target will require strong political will and critical legal reforms to surpass Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other African nations. More on this in the full report.
“We Need This Bill, For God’s Sake”: NAM Demands Mental Health Reform
“We need this bill, for God’s sake.” With those impassioned words, Hon. Momodou Lamin B. Bah reignited calls to scrap The Gambia’s century-old Lunatic Detention Act—an outdated law that continues to undermine the rights and dignity of people with mental illness. More in this report.
Gambia to Submit Ongoing Report on Migrant Workers’ Rights Under ICRMW
The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, launched a three-day workshop in Bakau on 25th February 2025, aimed at improving reporting under the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICRMW). The event highlighted The Gambia's ongoing efforts to align its domestic policies with international human rights standards, particularly in relation to migrant workers' rights. More in the report.
President Barrow’s Early SONA 2025 to Precede Crucial Draft Constitution Reading
President Adama Barrow will give an early State of the Nation Address for 2025, just a week before the Second Reading of the 2024 Draft Constitution in Parliament. The address highlights the government’s focus on governance and constitutional reform. More in the report.
Judiciary Trains Legal Practitioners in Preparation for Establishment of Commercial Court
The Gambian Judiciary conducted a two-day training session for legal practitioners and court staff on commercial law and court management to establish an effective commercial court. More in the report.
Six First Class Magistrates Appointed to Strengthen the Judiciary
The Gambia's Chief Justice, Hon. Hassan B Jallow presided over the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed first-class magistrates at his Chambers in Banjul on Monday 10th February 2025. More in the publication.
WFD Trains NAMs on Post-Legislative Scrutiny to Strengthen Oversight
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) conducted a one-day training for Members of the National Assembly on Post-Legislature Scrutiny on Saturday, 18th January 2024. More in the report.
Justice Minister Vows to Defend 2024 Draft Constitution in Parliament
As Gambians await a new Constitution, with strong opposition from opposition party leaders and several civil society organisations, Justice Minister Hon. Dawda A. Jallow has pledged to defend the 2024 Draft Constitution in Parliament. More in the report from the first Mansakunda Townhall of 2025.

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