The National Assembly of The Gambia has issued a detailed response to a petition submitted by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) on July 23, 2025, demanding a special investigation into alleged discriminatory land allocation practices, corruption at the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), and accountability for audit report findings. The response, authored by Clerk of the National Assembly Kalipha M. Mbye, outlines the Assembly’s review process and decisions, highlighting procedural constraints and next steps for the petitioners.
The petition, addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, was reviewed under the Standing Orders, specifically Orders 127 and 129, which govern the submission, admissibility, and processing of public petitions. The Assembly’s response addresses the three core issues raised by GALA, providing clarity on their admissibility and the Assembly’s oversight role.
Alleged Discrimination in Land Allocation Deemed Inadmissible
GALA’s petition raised concerns about discriminatory practices in land allocation, questioning the equity and fairness of national land policies. The Assembly acknowledged the public importance of these issues, noting that they fall within its oversight mandate to ensure transparency in public administration. However, the petition failed to meet the requirements of Standing Order 129(2)(e), which mandates that petitioners demonstrate prior engagement with relevant authorities and document the outcomes of such efforts.
Due to the absence of evidence showing attempts to resolve the issue through administrative channels, this section of the petition was deemed inadmissible. The Assembly advised GALA to engage formally with land administration authorities, document all correspondence, and resubmit the petition with the required details to comply with procedural standards.
Corruption Allegations at Gambia Ports Authority Halted by Ongoing Investigation
The petition also highlighted alleged corruption at the GPA, including revenue leakages and procurement irregularities. These concerns align with the Assembly’s responsibility to oversee public enterprises. However, a police investigation into some of these allegations, supported by legal review from the Attorney General’s Chambers, rendered this section inadmissible under Standing Order 129(2)(f). This rule prohibits the Assembly from considering matters that are sub judice (under judicial review) to avoid prejudicing ongoing legal proceedings.
The Assembly noted that it could revisit these allegations upon the conclusion of the legal and investigative processes, ensuring that parliamentary actions remain procedurally sound and respect due process.
Accountability for Audit Reports Admitted for Review
The third component of GALA’s petition called for accountability based on audit reports implicating certain institutions and individuals. While the petition lacked specificity regarding the reports or timeframes, the Assembly recognized the importance of public accountability through its oversight mechanisms, particularly via the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) and the Public Enterprises Committee (PEC). These committees are tasked with scrutinizing public financial management and recommending corrective actions.
This section was deemed admissible and has been referred to the Public Petitions Committee for further processing. The committee will coordinate with FPAC and PEC as needed and may request additional details from GALA to facilitate a thorough review.
Procedural Guidance and Civic Engagement
Clerk Mbye emphasized the importance of adhering to the formal standards outlined in the Standing Orders, particularly the requirement for respectful and temperate language in petitions (Order 129(2)(b)). This ensures the dignity of parliamentary proceedings while fostering constructive dialogue. GALA was encouraged to refine future submissions to meet these standards and to seek guidance from the Office of the Clerk if needed.
The Assembly commended GALA for its vigilance and commitment to addressing national concerns, underscoring the value of civic participation in democratic processes. The response reaffirmed the Assembly’s openness to public petitions that comply with procedural requirements and its readiness to support petitioners in navigating the process.
Next Steps for GALA
GALA has been advised to engage with relevant authorities on the land allocation issue and resubmit their petition with documented evidence of prior efforts. The Assembly will monitor the ongoing GPA investigation and may revisit related concerns once legal proceedings conclude. Meanwhile, the Public Petitions Committee will proceed with examining the audit accountability concerns, potentially seeking further input from GALA.
The National Assembly’s response reflects its commitment to balancing procedural rigor with its mandate to address public grievances, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
