Judiciary of The Gambia

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

CJ Faal Receives UNDP Resident Representative on Courtesy Visit to Strengthen Judicial Partnership

Chief Justice Edrissa M.O. Faal received Ms Mandisa Mashologu, UNDP Resident Representative in The Gambia, and her delegation on a courtesy visit at the Law Courts in Banjul on 24th August, 2026. The visit aimed to strengthen judicial partnership and familiarity between the Judiciary and UNDP.

Ms Mashologu and her delegation congratulated My Lord Faal on his appointment as Chief Justice, following the retirement of former Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow. Discussions centred on the key challenges facing the courts and how UNDP could continue supporting the Judiciary, with a specific call for assistance with the digitisation of judicial records and improved internet access for judges and staff.

Chief Justice Faal stressed the importance of engaging UNDP for direct or indirect assistance in these areas, noting that technology is essential to improving case management and ensuring timely access to justice for all Gambians. He highlighted the risks of relying on physical court records, which remain vulnerable to loss through fire or other disasters, underscoring the urgency of full digitisation.

The Judiciary appreciates UNDP's continued commitment to supporting judicial development in The Gambia and looks forward to implementing and achieving their shared plans.

14/08/2026

Judiciary Staff Participate in UNDP Strategic Communications Masterclass

Judiciary staff participated in a one-day masterclass on Strategic Communications and Development Writing organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 13th August, 2026, at the UN House, Cape Point, Bakau.

The training brought together Communication, Public Relations, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Reporting Officers from various institutions across the justice, government and non-profit sectors. Participants shared a common goal: strengthening institutional communication and improving the way development work is communicated to the public.

Facilitated by a UNDP Communications Expert, the masterclass equipped participants with practical skills for developing clear, impactful communication strategies, crafting compelling development stories, and strengthening internal and external messaging aligned with institutional goals.

For the Judiciary, effective communication is not only about sharing information. As Courts increasingly engage with the public, clear and accessible communication is essential to building public trust, promoting transparency, and reinforcing confidence in the rule of law.

Representing the Judiciary at the training were Ebrima Jallow Esq, Deputy Judicial Secretary (Legal), and Isatou N.G. Camara, Communications Officer. They participated in sessions on strategic communications, development writing, storytelling and the preparation of accessible communication products.

The knowledge and skills gained from the masterclass will support the Judiciary’s efforts to communicate more clearly with the public about judicial reforms, case-management improvements and access-to-justice initiatives.

The Judiciary thanks UNDP The Gambia for this timely investment in partner institutions and for its continued support in strengthening the communication capacity of its implementing partners.

23/07/2026

The Hon. Chief Justice of The Gambia, Justice Hassan B. Jallow noted in the maiden Tripatite Conference on the Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles - The Gambia Context under the theme: Upholding the Rule of Law and Democratic Balance: A Tripartite Engagement on the Latimer House Principles in The Gambia

“Judicial independence occupies a central place within this constitutional architecture. It is not a privilege conferred upon judicial officers, nor is it an institutional advantage enjoyed by the Judiciary. Rather, judicial independence exists for one fundamental reason: to protect the rights and freedoms of every individual who comes before the courts. Every citizen, regardless of social status, political affiliation, wealth, ethnicity, religious belief or other social status, must have confidence that his or her case will be determined impartially, fairly, and solely on the basis of the law and the evidence.

An independent Judiciary serves as the guardian of the Constitution, as the protector of fundamental rights, and as the ultimate guarantor of equal justice under the law. It assures the citizen that no person is above the law and that every exercise of governmental authority remains subject to constitutional and legal limitations. Equally, it assures Government itself that disputes will be resolved peacefully, lawfully, and in accordance with established legal principles, thereby strengthening public confidence and institutional legitimacy.

However, judicial independence should never be misunderstood as institutional isolation or neglect. Independence does not preclude cooperation. Rather, it demands that cooperation be founded upon mutual respect, constitutional boundaries, and unwavering fidelity to the rule of law.”

22/07/2026

22/07/2026

A Landmark Moment for The Gambia!
Today marks the commencement of the historic Tripartite Conference on the Latimer House Principles at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.

"Democracy is not self-sustaining; it requires our collective resolve." Today, His Lordship the Chief Justice, Hon. Hassan B. Jallow, reminded us that the Judiciary serves as the "guardian of the law and the protector of fundamental rights." As we engage in this historic Tripartite dialogue, we are committed to ensuring that every exercise of public power is subject to legal responsibility.

For the first time in our nation's history, the heads of all three arms of state—His Excellency President Adama Barrow, Honourable Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta, and His Lordship Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow—are convening to establish a practical, binding framework for cooperative governance.

21/07/2026

The Gambia honors retiring Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow for an extraordinary 54 years of public service!

Justice Jallow has been a steadfast guardian of the rule of law and judicial independence, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations. At his farewell, he reminded us:

"Without justice, there can be no peace, and without peace, there can be no meaningful national progress."

Thank you, My Lord Chief Justice, for your lifelong dedication to building a fairer, stronger justice system. Wishing you a well‑earned and peaceful retirement!

20/07/2026

Strengthening the Bedrock of Our Democracy: A Historic First for The Gambia

The Judiciary of The Gambia, in collaboration with the Executive and the National Assembly, is proud to announce the upcoming Tripartite Conference on the Latimer House Principles, scheduled for July 22nd – 24th, 2026.

For the first time, the heads of all three branches of government will convene to move beyond theoretical discussions and establish a practical, binding framework for governance.

This conference is not just a meeting; it is a commitment to every Gambian that our state institutions will work in a "constitutional, complementary, and constructive way" to safeguard the rule of law and protect fundamental rights.

Stay tuned as we prepare to embark on this journey toward a more transparent, accountable, and balanced democracy.

13/03/2026

THE COURT COMPASS; Introducing the Courts.

Did you know the Courts in The Gambia are set out under Chapter VIll of the 1997 Constitution and are divided into two levels: Superior Courts and the Lower courts.

Superior Courts consist of:
• Supreme Court of The Gambia
• Court of Appeal of The Gambia
• High Court of The Gambia

Lower Courts consist of:
• Magistrates' Courts
• Cadi Courts
• District Tribunals

Plus any other courts created by an Act of the National Assembly.

These bodies together form the Judicature of The Gambia, the country's backbone of justice and the maintenance of law and order in the country.