NHRC urges people-centered constitution as Gambia seeks new era of democratic governance

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the National Assembly to adopt a constitution that prioritizes the needs and rights of the Gambian people.

This appeal was made during the National Conference on the Draft Constitution 2024 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.

The event, themed “Advancing National Consensus on the Draft Constitution 2024,” brought together key stakeholders to shape the nation’s democratic future.

The conference concluded with several critical recommendations aimed at reinforcing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Delegates insisted that the new constitution should “embody the democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law that align with the will of the Gambian people.”

The National Assembly was urged to pass the Draft Constitution 2024 through a rigorous process, including a Second Reading and detailed Committee-stage review with opportunities for public input and expert analysis.

The NHRC also emphasized the need for greater public awareness of the draft constitution, tasking institutions like the National Council for Civic Education and civil society organizations with engaging citizens actively in the constitution-making process.

Delegates recommended restoring or amending provisions from the Draft Constitution 2020 to enhance governance and transparency. These included reducing the permissible detention period without court approval to 48 hours, reinstating clauses that promote transparency and accountability in public service, and amending restrictions on non-Gambians owning media outlets to eliminate discriminatory practices. Other proposals involved empowering the Supreme Court to oversee presidential powers during emergencies and allowing the Chief Justice to submit judiciary budget estimates directly to the Assembly to ensure financial independence.

Additional measures advocated at the conference included granting automatic citizenship to children born in The Gambia regardless of parental nationality, mandating that presidential candidates select a running mate, and strengthening anti-corruption provisions such as requiring asset declarations by presidential spouses. The conference underscored the importance of these reforms in shaping a transparent, inclusive, and democratic society.