President Adama Barrow on Friday urged newly sworn-in Chief Justice Edrissa M.O. Faal to uphold the Constitution in every decision, declaring that the Judiciary must remain an independent, impartial and effective pillar of the country’s democracy.
Speaking at the State House ceremony in Banjul, Barrow described the office of Chief Justice as the nation’s highest judicial post, one demanding intellectual distinction, professional integrity and the courage to administer justice without fear, favor or partiality. He said Faal’s appointment followed a rigorous selection process that weighed his distinguished legal career, academic and professional qualifications, integrity, and extensive experience in domestic and international law.
Faal has practiced law for more than four decades at the highest levels of the Common Law world, appearing before state and federal courts in the United States, including the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also represented sovereign states, including The Gambia, before international tribunals and contributed to legal education by teaching at The Gambia Law School.
Barrow paid tribute to outgoing Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow for more than nine years of distinguished service that strengthened and modernized the Judiciary. Under Jallow’s leadership, the courts handled more than 9,000 new cases and disposed of over 6,500 in 2025 — a 19 percent rise in performance over the previous year. Key reforms included extending the Judiciary Strategic Plan to 2027, establishing the Special Criminal Division and Commercial Division, constructing the Bundung Court Complex, and overhauling the High Court Civil Procedure Rules.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the rule of law, Barrow assured Gambians that his administration has no intention of interfering with the independence and credibility of the courts.
He pledged continued support through adequate resources and legislation while fully respecting the Judiciary’s constitutional autonomy. Congratulating Faal, the President expressed confidence that the new Chief Justice’s wealth of experience would strengthen public confidence in the courts, deepen Gambian jurisprudence and inspire future generations of judges and lawyers.
In his own remarks, Chief Justice Faal pledged to reinforce the independence, efficiency and accessibility of the Judiciary, promising to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice is administered without fear, favor or external influence.
He assumed office with humility and gratitude, recognizing the immense responsibilities attached to the post, which he described as a “public trust” that must be exercised with independence, impartiality and fidelity to the rule of law.
Faal credited his predecessor with helping to re-establish judicial independence, promote alternative dispute resolution, improve access to the courts and restore public confidence during a critical period in the nation’s history. “These accomplishments provide a strong foundation upon which we will all build a modernized judiciary,” he said. His ambition is to develop a more efficient and accessible judiciary guided by internationally recognized best practices that remain compatible with The Gambia’s constitutional principles and national needs.
He stressed that the work of the Judiciary is never complete, identifying higher professional standards, timely delivery of justice, and adherence to best practices as defining priorities of his tenure.
