By Fatou Daha
President Adama Barrow has declared the rule of law “not negotiable” as The Gambia opened its first-ever Commonwealth Tripartite Conference on the Latimer House Principles, urging the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to strengthen accountability, institutional independence, and democratic balance.
In a keynote address at the three-day event, Barrow emphasized that democratic governance remains central to The Gambia’s post-2017 political transition. “The rule of law is not negotiable, and democratic balance is essential for peace, justice, and sustainable development,” he told delegates. The conference, themed “Upholding the Rule of Law and Democratic Balance: A Tripartite Engagement on the Latimer House Principles in The Gambia,” brings together the three arms of government alongside Commonwealth partners in what officials called a historic milestone.
Barrow described the Latimer House Principles as a vital framework for maintaining equilibrium among state institutions while promoting accountable leadership and constitutional order. “These are not abstract ideals for The Gambia, but foundations of our new democratic order,” he said. He urged
participants to treat the gathering as more than dialogue — a solemn pledge that the Executive will govern accountably, the Legislature will legislate responsibly, and the Judiciary will adjudicate independently and justly.
Speaker of the National Assembly Rt. Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta hailed the conference as a first in the country’s constitutional history. “The separation of powers must therefore never be misconstrued as separation of purpose,” Jatta stated. He stressed that institutional independence should foster cooperation rather than confrontation, and called for honest reflection on constitutional responsibilities. Deliberations are expected to produce a National Action Plan for implementing the Latimer House Principles and a framework for ongoing inter-institutional engagement.
Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow described the event as a significant step in The Gambia’s democratic journey. He highlighted judicial independence not as a privilege for judges but as a safeguard for citizens’ rights and a check on public authority. “An independent judiciary assures citizens that justice will be administered fairly and impartially,” Jallow said. However, he cautioned against viewing it as isolation, advocating instead for constructive engagement rooted in mutual respect and fidelity to the Constitution. The Chief Justice welcomed plans for a memorandum of understanding among the branches and emphasized that the conference’s true value lies in practical reforms.
Clerk of the National Assembly Kalipha M.M. Mbye echoed these sentiments, calling the gathering a “landmark moment” in the nation’s democratic development. “We are here to move beyond the theory of the Separation of Powers and embrace the lived reality of Constitutional Harmony,” he said. A Technical Working Group comprising representatives from all three arms had prepared for months, aiming to deliver a functional Gambia Latimer Action Plan to guide institutional relations for years ahead.
Across speeches, leaders acknowledged that The Gambia’s democratic transition since 2017 remains a work in progress. President Barrow described the return to democratic governance as both a political shift and “a moral commitment to restore the dignity of our institutions and the trust of our people.” While challenges persist, he expressed confidence that the country is building stronger institutions where rights are protected, and justice is upheld.
The conference aligns with Commonwealth standards for democratic governance. Over the next three days, participants will explore ways to enhance cooperation among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary while safeguarding each branch’s constitutional independence. Organizers hope the outcomes will translate into concrete actions that reinforce The Gambia’s young democracy and serve as a model for the region.
