By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Honourable Sainey Jawara, National Assembly Member for Lower Saloum, has called on Commonwealth parliamentarians to strengthen parliamentary oversight and democratic institutions, as lawmakers from across the bloc gathered in South Africa for the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
The conference, running from 13 to 19 September 2026, has brought together parliamentarians and parliamentary officials to examine parliamentary democracy, good governance and international engagement. Its theme is “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership.”
Speaking to TAT on the sidelines of the meeting, Jawara said he was pleased to take part in high-level discussions aimed at reinforcing good governance, democracy, the rule of law and parliamentary scrutiny. He said the gathering offered a chance to engage fellow legislators, exchange experiences and contribute to efforts to make democratic institutions more effective.
Key sessions, he said, focused on the need for strong and independent parliaments, respect for the rule of law, effective representation, accountability and parliamentary diplomacy. Delegates also shared best practices and considered how Commonwealth countries can address common challenges.
Jawara said the conference underlined the importance of closer cooperation among Commonwealth parliaments and of applying useful lessons at national level. His participation, he added, had strengthened the Gambian National Assembly’s engagement with other legislatures and contributed to the exchange of ideas on improving parliamentary effectiveness.
“The Conference provided a valuable platform to foster parliamentary cooperation and promote democracy, good governance, and the rule of law,” he told TAT. “My participation contributed to the exchange of ideas, enhanced the representation of the Gambian Parliament, and strengthened its engagement with Commonwealth Parliamentarians.”
He said knowledge and experience gained in Cape Town should be shared and applied at home to support the continued development of the National Assembly.
Gambia’s delegation also includes Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. F.T.J., Hon. Fatoumatta Jawara, Clerk Kalifa M.M. Mbye, Director of Communication Gibairu Janneh, Ramatulie Jawo and Aji Sainey Khan.
The week-long conference is expected to close with further commitments on parliamentary cooperation as member states confront a shifting global order.
Organizers say the meeting is intended not only as a forum for debate but as a means of translating shared principles into stronger national institutions.
Jawara’s intervention reflects a broader argument heard throughout the sessions: that parliaments remain central to accountability and that Commonwealth legislatures must work together if they are to meet rising public expectations.
