By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia Wednesday opened its maiden Commonwealth Tripartite Conference on the Latimer House Principles, bringing together the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to strengthen constitutional governance, democratic accountability and the rule of law.
The three-day conference, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo under the theme: “Upholding the Rule of Law and Democratic Balance: A Tripartite Engagement on the Latimer House Principles in The Gambia,” attracted senior government officials, lawmakers, judges, diplomats, development partners and civil society representatives.
Opening the conference, Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow described the gathering as a milestone in The Gambia’s constitutional and democratic development, saying it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening state institutions and promoting cooperation among the three branches of government while safeguarding their constitutional independence.
He says judicial independence is a cornerstone of constitutional democracy and exists primarily to protect the rights of citizens seeking justice.
Justice Jallow stressed that every individual, regardless of status or background, should have confidence that cases will be determined fairly, impartially and solely on the basis of the law and the evidence presented.
He also renewed his call for the establishment of a permanent forum bringing together the heads of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary for regular consultations on issues of national importance.
According to the Chief Justice, such a mechanism would promote cooperation, coordination and policy coherence while respecting the constitutional mandate and independence of each branch of government.
He discloses that the conference is expected to conclude with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding among the three branches of government and the adoption of a National Action Plan to guide the implementation of agreed reforms.
National Assembly Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta describes the conference as a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey, noting that it is the first structured national dialogue involving the three co-equal branches of government.
“The separation of powers must never be misconstrued as separation of purpose,” the Speaker said, adding that the strength of the constitutional order lies in maintaining a balance between the three branches of government.
He says the conference provides an opportunity to strengthen institutional relations and develop practical mechanisms for cooperation without undermining the autonomy of any state institution.
Earlier, Clerk of the National Assembly Kalipha M.M. Mbye said the conference was inspired by efforts to build a modern, proactive and independent legislature capable of effectively serving the Gambian people.
He says the forum seeks to promote what he described as “constitutional harmony”, encouraging cooperation among state institutions while preserving their respective constitutional responsibilities.
In a virtual address, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey congratulated The Gambia for convening the conference, describing it as an important demonstration of democratic leadership.
She says the Latimer House Principles and the Commonwealth Charter provide an important framework for promoting the separation of powers, institutional independence and accountability, and urged participants to translate the deliberations into practical reforms that strengthen democratic governance and public confidence.
The conference is expected to formulate recommendations aimed at deepening constitutional democracy, reinforcing the rule of law and strengthening cooperation among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.