By: Alieu Ceesay
National Assembly members sharply questioned Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang on Wednesday about the safety and security of magistrates nationwide, amid heightened fears following a recent courtroom assault that disrupted the delivery of justice.
The session in Banjul came against the backdrop of public alarm after an incident at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, where a presiding magistrate—reportedly Her Worship A. Manneh—was attacked by a disgruntled litigant inside the courtroom. The assault prompted the magistrate to suspend all hearings indefinitely until adequate protection is ensured, stalling numerous trials, bail applications, and other proceedings.
Hon. Kemo Gassama, member for Lower Badibu, pressed the minister on what concrete steps the government has implemented to safeguard judicial officers. In response, Minister Sanyang assured the assembly that decisive action had been taken swiftly.
“I wish to inform this August assembly that the government has taken immediate and decisive action to protect members of the judiciary following the unfortunate incident at the Country Criminal Justice Court,” the minister stated. He confirmed that the affected magistrate had been assigned armed personnel from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) without delay.
The minister added that PIU officers are now routinely deployed to court premises during trials to secure both magistrates and litigants. “The Ministry of Interior remains fully committed to working closely with the judiciary to strengthen security arrangements, enhance coordination, and uphold the integrity of our justice system,” he emphasized.
The attack has rattled the legal community, underscoring the vulnerability of judicial officers in the performance of their duties and the broader implications for timely justice in The Gambia.
In a separate line of questioning, Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, representing Old Yundum, inquired about plans to modernize the outdated Drug Control Act of 2003 to combat better evolving drug trafficking, abuse, and related crimes.
Minister Sanyang acknowledged the urgency, noting that the government recognizes the need for a stronger legal framework. “The process of overhauling the Drug Control Act is ongoing,” he revealed. “A drafted document has already been generated and submitted to the Ministry of Justice for review and legal drafting.” Once finalized and enacted, the updated legislation is expected to improve responses to emerging drug trends.
Combating drug-related challenges continues to be a priority for the Interior Ministry, despite sustained security operations targeting trafficking networks across the country.
The exchanges highlight ongoing efforts to bolster judicial security and to develop legislative tools to address pressing societal threats, as lawmakers demand accountability and proactive reforms.
