The recent study tour by members of the National Assembly to Senegal has highlighted an important lesson that The Gambia should carefully consider: the use of local languages in parliamentary deliberations.
According to the report of the Select Committee on Regional Government, Lands, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Ombudsman and Religious Affairs, Gambian lawmakers were impressed by Senegal’s practice of allowing local languages to be used alongside the official language during debates in the National Assembly. The delegation, led by committee chairperson Hon. Sulayman Jammeh, visited Senegal in October 2025 as part of efforts to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
What stood out most from the visit was how language can serve as a powerful tool for democratic inclusion. In Senegal, allowing members of parliament to use widely spoken local languages makes parliamentary discussions more accessible to ordinary citizens. For many people who may not fully understand the official language used in formal proceedings, this approach creates a bridge between lawmakers and the communities they represent.
Democracy thrives when citizens feel connected to their institutions. When parliamentary debates are conducted only in official languages that a significant portion of the population may not fully understand, it can unintentionally create distance between elected representatives and the people they serve. By contrast, the use of local languages promotes transparency, strengthens public engagement and allows citizens to follow legislative debates more closely.
The Gambian delegation rightly noted that communication between parliament and citizens is essential for building trust in democratic institutions. Language, in this regard, is not merely a tool of expression; it is a gateway to participation. When people can listen to debates in languages they speak and understand daily, they are more likely to take interest in governance and hold their leaders accountable.
Senegal’s example demonstrates that inclusivity in governance is not only about policies but also about how institutions communicate with the public. The practice reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that democratic processes remain accessible to the people.
The study tour also provided insights into Senegal’s decentralisation system, infrastructure planning and parliamentary oversight mechanisms. However, the lesson on language stands out as particularly relevant for The Gambia.
As the country continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, policymakers may wish to reflect on whether similar measures could enhance citizen participation at home. Allowing the use of local languages in parliamentary debates could help make the National Assembly more relatable to the very people it represents.
Democracy works best when citizens understand it, participate in it and feel that it speaks their language—literally and figuratively.