By Fatou Dahaba
The National Assembly of the Gambia took a major stride toward bolstering the nation’s resilience against human security threats by progressing the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Bill 2025 during a detailed committee session on Tuesday.
In a Committee of the Whole Assembly meeting, presided over under Standing Order 72, lawmakers meticulously reviewed the bill clause by clause. The session, attended by His Excellency the Vice-President and technical experts, facilitated a robust debate on amendments proposed by the joint committees on Environment and Defence and Security, and on Environment and Sustainable Development.
A prominent change was updating the bill’s short title to 2025, correcting the prior reference to 2024. In Clause 2, legislators refined the definition of “human security pillars,” replacing “crime” with “safety and security.” The revised pillars now include governance, human rights, environment, health, safety, and security, aligning with regional protocols from the 1999 heads of state agreement.
Debate intensified on Clause 5 regarding the functions of the proposed National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Center. Concerns arose about mandating that the center “disseminate” analyzed data, with some members cautioning against unrestricted public access to sensitive information. Following discussions, the clause was amended to allow dissemination “as appropriate,” striking a balance between transparency and national security discretion.
Uncontested clauses covered the center’s establishment and objectives, emphasizing coordinated threat detection and response. Lawmakers underscored the bill’s role in fostering inter-agency collaboration and public trust.
As the legislation—now titled the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Act 2025—moves to subsequent stages, parliamentarians hailed its potential to fortify preparedness against emerging risks, from environmental hazards to health crises. The thorough scrutiny reflects a dedicated effort to craft practical, internationally aligned laws that prioritize human security.
The bill awaits further readings before enactment, marking a proactive step in national defense strategy.
