A group of concerned citizens, including Sait Matty Jaw, Pa Samba Jow, Baboucarr Nyang, and others, have filed a legal challenge in the Supreme Court of the Gambia. The case targets the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, and the Attorney General over the recent presentation of the 2025 Budget Estimates.
On November 15, 2025, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Seedy Keita presented the budget estimates before the National Assembly. The plaintiffs argue that this action contravenes Section 152(1) of the Constitution, which mandates that the budget estimates be laid at least 60 days before the end of the financial year. By presenting the budget on November 15, they claimed that the required period was not met.
Despite the constitutional requirement, the Speaker of the National Assembly permitted the budget presentation to proceed after the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs apologized for the delay. Some National Assembly Members (NAMs) objected to the decision, which was made despite their objections to its constitutionality.
The legal challenge seeks to address these alleged constitutional violations, underscoring the importance of adherence to the country’s legal framework in financial governance.
The group is represented by lawyers Salieu Taal, Abdoulie Fatty, and Lamin J Darboe, who are offering their services pro bono to support the defense of the Constitution and the rule of law in the public interest.
The citizens involved in this legal challenge emphasize the importance of accountability within the public sector. They argue that constitutional violations and disregard for the rule of law may persist unchecked without such accountability. This action seeks to promote good governance in the Gambia and encourages public officials to adhere to legal requirements.
The group calls for public support to ensure that all public institutions and officials respect and uphold the country’s laws in their duties. They aim to safeguard the Constitution and reinforce the principles of accountability and good governance.
