The rejection of the 2024 Draft Constitution marks another devastating blow to The Gambia’s hopes for democratic reform, and Justice Minister Dawda Jallow must take responsibility for this outcome. As Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Jallow has presided over not one but two failed attempts to deliver a new constitution: first in 2020 and now in 2024. This pattern of failure demands accountability, and it’s time for him to step down.
In 2020, the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) produced a draft constitution that reflected the aspirations of Gambians for a more democratic, accountable, and just system. Despite widespread consultations and public support, the draft was derailed in the National Assembly, with critics pointing to Jallow’s refusal to defend it robustly. Reports suggest that he remained silent during key debates, leaving the draft vulnerable to political sabotage, particularly over contentious issues such as presidential term limits and executive accountability.
Fast forward to 2024, and history has repeated itself. The 2024 Draft Constitution, tabled under Jallow’s leadership, secured 35 votes in favor but fell short of the required three-quarters majority (44 votes) in the 56-member National Assembly. This rejection highlights a failure to build consensus and address the concerns that doomed the 2020 effort.
Accusations of mismanagement and lack of transparency have marked Jallow’s tenure. Critics, including the United Democratic Party (UDP), have accused him of overseeing a process that sidelined key stakeholders and ignored public demands for reforms, such as term limits and reduced executive powers. The 2024 draft was labeled by many as the “Barrow Draft,” suggesting it was tailored to serve political interests rather than the will of the people. His inability to navigate these political divides and deliver a constitution that unites Gambians is a failure of leadership.
Moreover, Jallow’s handling of the constitutional process has been criticized as chaotic and poorly justified. At a press conference on August 28, 2024, he struggled to clarify the amendments made to the 2020 draft, raising doubts about the inclusivity of the process. Despite claims of extensive consultations, many Gambians feel excluded, with 67% preferring the 2020 draft, according to a recent survey. Jallow’s leadership has failed to inspire confidence or deliver results, leaving the nation with the 1997 Constitution, which has been amended multiple times under the Jammeh regime.
As the government’s chief legal adviser, Jallow had a duty to protect the integrity of the constitutional process and champion the people’s aspirations. Instead, his tenure has been marked by delays, controversies, and a lack of political will to push for meaningful reform. The rejection of two draft constitutions under his watch is not just a policy failure—it’s a betrayal of the Gambian people’s hopes for a Third Republic.
It’s time for new leadership to restore trust and drive progress. Dawda Jallow must resign to allow someone to deliver a constitution that reflects the people’s will and strengthens our democracy. Gambians deserve better.
