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Mental Health and the Integrity of Our Public Discourse.By Alagi Yorro Jallow Fatoumatta: While I may not have access to...
10/10/2025

Mental Health and the Integrity of Our Public Discourse.
By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: While I may not have access to the latest 2025 mental health data, a 2018 Gambian government report submitted to the Human Rights Conference in Cairo revealed that approximately 13 percent of Gambians were grappling with mental health challenges. That figure representing tens of thousands of individuals should not be dismissed. It demands national attention.
We are beginning to see the profound implications of untreated mental health issues in our political and media landscape. The toxicity of our social media spaces, the erratic behavior of some public figures, and the divisive nature of our political discourse all point to a deeper crisis, one that is psychological as much as it is civic.
Investing in mental health support for all citizens, including activists, aspiring politicians, and media practitioners, is not just beneficial. It is vital. A healthy democracy requires emotionally resilient leaders, ethically grounded commentators, and a public sphere that fosters dialogue, not dysfunction.
Let us be clear: this is not about stigmatizing individuals. It is about recognizing that mental health is a public good. When left unaddressed, it affects not only the individual but the integrity of our institutions and the cohesion of our society.
We must build systems of care, not walls of shame. We must train media hosts to recognize emotional distress, not amplify it. We must encourage political actors to seek support, not weaponize instability. And we must create a culture where seeking help is seen as strength, not weakness.
Fatoumatta: The future of our nation depends not only on political reform but on psychological healing. Let us address this crisis head-on—with compassion, clarity, and civic courage.

World Mental Health Day: Addressing The Gambia's Urgent Mental Health Crisis.By Alagi Yorro Jallow Fatoumatta: On World ...
10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day: Addressing The Gambia's Urgent Mental Health Crisis.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: On World Mental Health Day, we are faced with the urgent and pressing reality of The Gambia's ongoing mental health crisis. This crisis, marked by outdated laws and severely underfunded services, cannot be ignored. The introduction of a new policy, which remains unexecuted, underscores the need for immediate and decisive action. This is not a problem that can be put off for another day; it is a deep-rooted, persistent challenge that demands our immediate and sustained attention. We cannot afford to delay any longer. Addressing mental health is not just a duty but a vital necessity for the well-being of our nation.

Despite the Gambia's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2015 and the development of a Mental Health Policy and Strategic Plan in 2007, the country still operates under colonial-era laws like the Suspected Lunatic Act of 1942 and the Lunatics Detention Act of 1964, which remain unrepealed and incompatible with human rights standards.
Fatoumatta: Mr. Felije Danso's haunting image—shirtless, dirt-caked, dragging a bag of discarded waste through Serekunda remains emblematic of the Gambia's mental health crisis. Five years since this story was first told, the conditions have barely changed. Mentally ill individuals still roam the streets, invisible to the public, abandoned by the state, and stigmatized by society.

Mental illness in the Gambia is not just a health issue—it's a dire human rights emergency. The archaic Lunatics Detention Act, still in force, lacks definitions, safeguards, and legal remedies. It permits indefinite detention without consent, review, or legal aid. In 2003, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights found the Gambia in violation of multiple articles of the African Charter and urged repeal and reform. Yet, seventeen years later, the law remains unrepealed. This is a clear violation of human rights and a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform.

Fatoumatta: The 2007 Mental Health Policy and Strategic Plan laid the necessary groundwork: decentralization, integration into primary care, and community sensitization. But implementation faltered. Mental health services remain centralized, underfunded (less than 2% of the health budget), and inaccessible in rural regions. Facilities like Tanka Tanka, though an upgrade from Campama, still face overcrowding, prolonged detention, and questionable treatment protocols.
In 2024, a new Mental Health Bill was validated by Cabinet and stakeholders, aiming to repeal the outdated laws and align with international standards. This bill, which includes provisions for community-based care, rights protection, and anti-stigma measures, offers hope for a more humane and effective mental health system. However, as of October 2025, the bill has not yet been tabled in Parliament. The delay reflects a broader neglect of mental health as a national priority.
Fatoumatta: Mental illness remains taboo. Many Gambians attribute it to witchcraft, leading to isolation, abuse, and denial of fundamental rights. Unlike physical disabilities, mental health lacks advocacy, visibility, and institutional support. Even within health facilities, patients are often warehoused rather than rehabilitated.
What Must Be Done:
The immediate repeal of colonial-era laws and the enactment of the Mental Health Bill are not just suggestions; they are necessities. We need to integrate mental health into primary healthcare through trained personnel and community outreach. It's crucial to provide human rights-based education and sensitization, led by survivors, traditional healers, and civil society. We should create supported employment and entrepreneurship programs to break the cycles of poverty and stigma. Additionally, independent investigations into allegations of abuse in psychiatric facilities and traditional settings must be conducted. These actions are not mere recommendations; they are urgent measures that need to be taken now.
Fatoumatta: On this World Mental Health Day, The Gambia must confront its pressing challenges with urgency. The suffering of individuals like Felije Danso is not an unavoidable fate; it is the direct consequence of policy paralysis, legal inaction, and widespread societal indifference. While the new Mental Health Policy offers a glimmer of hope, it requires bold legislative courage and a genuine commitment to funding. Let us ensure that this day is not merely symbolic. Let it ignite a movement toward justice, dignity, and comprehensive care for every Gambian living with mental illness. It’s time to act decisively and compassionately.
References:
-WHO Mental Health Investment Case Report for The Gambia, 2025.
-The Point: Validation of New Mental Health Policy, April 2025.
-National Audit Office Report on Mental Health Services, 2023.
-Askanwi: Status of Lunatics Detention Act, 2024.
-Global Health Rights: Purohit and Moore v. The Gambia.
-LawHub Gambia: Seventeen Years of Nothingness.

Journalism, Power, and the Politics of Taking Sides.By Alagi Yorro Jallow Originally published February 3, 2021:  Reprod...
10/10/2025

Journalism, Power, and the Politics of Taking Sides.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Originally published February 3, 2021: Reproduced and revised October 2025
Fatoumatta: In February 2021, I published a reflection titled "Journalism, Power, and the Politics of Taking Sides"—a civic meditation on the ethical responsibilities of the Fourth Estate in fragile democracies. That article challenged journalists to rise above tribal loyalties, political patronage, and performative neutrality and instead embrace the principled rigor that journalism demands.
Today, its relevance has intensified.
Across The Gambia, media houses and journalists are facing growing public backlash not for censorship, but for perceived complicity. The charge is clear: taking sides, abandoning objectivity, and inflaming tribal and political biases under the guise of reportage. Trained and untrained media workers alike are accused of mixing activism with journalism, and the public is no longer silent. They are reacting with skepticism, critique, and civic alarm.
This revised version of the original commentary is not a nostalgic reproduction. It is a timely intervention. It interrogates the ideological confusion, editorial opportunism, and ethical lapses that continue to undermine public trust in Gambian media. It calls for a renaissance of principled journalism anchored in truth, fairness, and fearless accountability.
Let this be a renewed call to conscience for journalists, media owners, civic educators, and political actors. The Fourth Estate must not become a fifth column. It must return to its roots: to inform, to interrogate, and to inspire.
"Journalism, Power, and Taking Sides in Politics
By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: As an emeritus journalist, I firmly uphold the foundational principles of the fourth estate, which strive for honest reporting, public trust, fairness, truth, objectivity, and ethical journalism. The essence of journalistic objectivity is not just a principle, but a cornerstone of our profession. It empowers the audience to form their own opinions and make informed decisions based solely on the facts presented. It is about providing the information and allowing the audience to interpret it independently, free from the writer's biases.
At its finest, journalism is not just a profession but a vital civic compass, guiding the public through the complexities of society. It enables them to make informed choices, demand accountability from those in authority, and empower them to shape the future of their nation.
Regrettably, today, the principle of objectivity faces significant challenges. In The Gambia and beyond, journalists are increasingly accused of taking sides, blurring the line between activism and reporting, and forsaking professional detachment for partisan loyalty. This growing perception has rightfully sparked public concern and calls for an immediate and thorough reevaluation of journalistic integrity.
Fatoumatta: Journalistic objectivity transcends mere neutrality regarding injustice or indifference to truth. It is fundamentally about presenting facts with integrity, reducing bias, and empowering audiences to draw their own conclusions. As ethical journalists, we must be unwavering in our commitment to truth—no matter how uncomfortable it may be. This empowerment of the audience is essential to journalistic objectivity, enabling individuals to form their own opinions and make informed decisions.
An ethical journalist embodies integrity, tirelessly pursues the truth, and strives to report with minimal bias. They must be honest, fair, and courageous in gathering, writing, and interpreting information. Bias can significantly shape how journalists, as individuals and a collective community, respond to complex societal issues, often influenced by the tribal, political, and religious identities at play. While human bias is an unavoidable aspect of producing quality journalism, it is equally crucial for audiences and news sharers to recognize and mitigate that bias in journalists' work.
The Gambia's media landscape is currently in a crisis, not due to censorship, but rather a profound loss of credibility. The Fourth Estate, once hailed as the watchdog of democracy, now finds itself perilously caught between activism and partisanship, as well as civic duty and tribal loyalty. The public has evolved from passive consumers of news to vigilant observers, actively rejecting what they perceive as compromised journalism. This is not a trivial squabble over bias; it is a significant structural failure of training, ethics, and editorial clarity. The lines between journalism, advocacy, and political propaganda have blurred dangerously, resulting in a breakdown of truth in this ambiguity. Objectivity is not about lacking an opinion; it is about the discipline to verify facts, the courage to probe deeper, and the humility to allow the truth to stand apart from tribal biases.
Fatoumatta: Ethical journalism demands relentless fairness, unwavering balance, and steadfast integrity—not shallow performative neutrality. I recall a colleague and classmate of mine, a Nieman Fellow from the class of 2006 at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. She was a respected columnist and editor, and she boldly stated, "We all have biases," while passionately defending her loyalty to Manchester United over any other team in the English Premier League. This candid acknowledgement serves as a reminder that recognizing our biases is the first step toward elevating the standard of journalism.
As cliché as it may sound, the statement reinforced my deep-seated belief that true objectivity is an unattainable ideal for any human being, a conviction I have held since childhood. As a trained journalist, I recognize that storytelling should strive for fairness and balance, allowing each perspective a fair platform. However, certain narratives challenge this principle. When grappling with complex issues such as politics, climate change, the Cold War, and religion, absolute professionalism is paramount, yet often elusive.
American journalist and author, Hunter S. Thompson, powerfully articulated this struggle in an interview with The Atlantic: "Objective journalism is one of the main reasons American politics has been allowed to be so corrupt for so long. You cannot be objective about Nixon. How can you be objective about Donald Trump?" He went on to challenge the very essence of journalistic objectivity: "If you consider the great journalists in history, you do not see too many objective journalists on that list. H.L. Mencken was not objective. Mike Royko, a Pulitzer Prize winner, was not objective. I. F. Stone was not objective. Mark Twain was not objective. I do not quite understand this worship of objectivity in journalism. Now, just flat-out lying is different from being subjective." These words resonate profoundly. Humans are inherently self-interested, often prioritizing our own needs, those of our families, our communities, our nations, and our religions—generally in that order. There is no fundamental flaw in media practitioners and journalists aligning with and supporting the politicians they believe in.
Politics, at its core, can be defined by Harold Lasswell as the allocation of resources who gets what, when, and how. Naturally, any politician in power will champion their own interests, which is why political landscapes worldwide typically divide into two dominant factions: conservatives and liberals, the so-called right and left.
Contrary to common belief, The Gambia's political landscape urgently needs a foundation of clear ideology and principled values. Currently, our political identity is primarily shaped by superficial factors such as cliques, 'Badinyaa Fassa', factions, tribalism, classism, elitism, vous, and the biases perpetuated by media houses and their proprietors. The silent majority of Gambians tends to lean conservative, and understanding this requires a deeper examination of our history.
Engaging with the works of Walter Rodney or grasping the impact of colonialism in Africa reveals why many Africans gravitate toward conservative political choices. This inclination explains why they staunchly support politicians who align with their values while opposing those who are disruptive, ethnically divisive, or embroiled in corruption, often symbolized by the metaphor of the "brown envelope." This phenomenon is not exclusive to The Gambia; it is echoed in more developed countries like the United States, where media bias runs rampant.
Fatoumatta: Consider the Irish-American vote—one of the most coveted in American politics. Politicians with even a trace of Irish heritage make pilgrimages to Ireland to connect with its wealthy Irish and Catholic voting bloc, a trend evidenced by figures from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama. Bill Clinton capitalized on this dynamic as well. Politicians are astute in recognizing and navigating tribal affiliations, knowing that their outreach must resonate with various groups. Wealthy white individuals, especially former landowners and business elites, generally prefer to uphold the status quo, which reinforces their conservative outlook. So, how do these ideological divides maintain their grip on their supporters? The answer lies in the ideological underpinnings of media ownership, control, and readership. Take, for example, the liberal media outlets like the New York Times and CNN, which Donald Trump often vilifies for their biases. These platforms consistently rally behind Democratic candidates, and even when faced with subpar options, a loyal base remains willing to defend them. This highlights how deeply entrenched ideologies influence political loyalty and the media's role in shaping public perception.
Fatoumatta: The Gambia stands at a critical crossroads. Historically, all independent media houses, before the emergence of the Daily Observer, were biased against Yahya Jammeh and aligned with the opposition. Journalists lost their impartiality and objectivity, adopting activist journalism and guerrilla tactics to resist dictatorial regimes. Today, in a new democratic dispensation, Many journalists have adopted a façade of "neutrality," but often they exhibit blatant anti-government bias, which inevitably comes back to haunt them. This can manifest in various forms, including bribery from political operatives, chilling visits under the cover of darkness, or even threats at gunpoint to silence their most talented reporters, only for one of those dynamic individuals to be arrested a year later. Rather than maintaining this façade, citizens need to access media sources that provide an honest depiction of the political landscape.
The challenge of trusting supposedly independent media in The Gambia is significant, as many reporters may support the opposition today yet flip their allegiance tomorrow. There are independent media houses that have received a GMD 15 million COVID-19 relief grant, alongside a select digital media outlet that was awarded GMD 40 million by the government for propagandistic purposes, showcasing the President's so-called achievements. This makes it challenging to have faith in the integrity of such outlets.
However, the grave risks associated with operating a media house in this environment of divisive and toxic politics are significant. The rule of law in The Gambia is precarious, leaving journalists exposed to intimidation, censorship, and even lethal threats. Power can shift dramatically, rendering yesterday's influential figures into beggars in a new regime. Journalists find themselves besieged from all sides.
Moreover, anyone with political ambition must invest strategically in media. Moreover, they must steer this media to align with their objectives while ensuring responsible practices that avoid inciting hatred, as we witnessed in Rwanda and Germany in 1948.
Operating a media house in The Gambia is fraught with peril. The fragile rule of law subjects journalists to intimidation and violence. As power dynamics shift, the stakes remain high; today's kingmaker could easily become tomorrow's exile. It is imperative for the future of journalism and democracy in The Gambia that true independence and integrity in the media are safeguarded.
We stand at a crucial juncture where a renaissance of principled journalism is imperative. To achieve this, we must equip journalists with a deep understanding of civic philosophy, moving beyond mere reporting skills. - Foster meaningful mentorship for media hosts, encouraging them to curate panels that offer genuine intellectual depth instead of relying on performative spectacle. - Uphold stringent ethical standards through the establishment of independent media councils. - Cultivate a robust civic media literacy among audiences, empowering them to recognize bias and demand accountability from the media.
Fatoumatta: Let us reclaim the dignity of the Fourth Estate! We must create a media culture that educates rather than incites, that challenges rather than flatters, and that prioritizes the public good over the interests of the powerful. Together, we can transform journalism into a force for truth and democracy."

The Constitutional Law of the Gambia: 1965 - 2010. By Ousman  A.S. Jammeh.    Review by Alagi Yorro Jallow Fatoumatta: A...
09/10/2025

The Constitutional Law of the Gambia: 1965 - 2010.

By Ousman A.S. Jammeh.
Review by Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: A Missing Compass: Revisiting Jammeh's Constitutional Legacy. Master Ousman A. S. Jammeh's book, "The Constitutional Law of the Gambia: 1965–2010," is a unique and meticulously researched examination of the evolution of Gambian constitutional law. It skillfully blends legal analysis with a sense of civic urgency, making it a valuable resource for readers. In a nation where constitutional debates often arise amid political crises rather than in the context of legal scholarship, Jammeh's work serves as a crucial intervention.
Published in 2011, this 404-page volume is much more than just a book; it acts as a vital civic compass, guiding readers through the intricate landscape of Gambian constitutional law. Jammeh, a seasoned legal expert and former Master of the High Court, provides a comprehensive and enlightening overview of Gambian constitutional development, spanning from the dawn of internal self-government in 1965 to the tumultuous years of the Second Republic. His analysis is methodical, his tone is firm yet restrained, and his commitment to the rule of law is unwavering.
The volume traces the evolution of constitutional instruments, carefully examining the 1970 First Republican Constitution and the 1997 Second Republican Constitution. These two documents played a significant role in shaping the Gambian legal landscape, with the 1970 Constitution establishing the country as a republic and the 1997 Constitution introducing several democratic reforms. It delves into the functions of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, while also highlighting the mechanisms for amendment, enforcement, and interpretation. Jammeh openly addresses the legal implications of the 1994 coup and the erosion of constitutional norms that occurred during military rule.
Fatoumatta: What makes this book indispensable is its dual role: it serves both as a legal textbook and as a civic mirror. It prompts lawyers, students, journalists, and citizens to confront the fragility of constitutionalism in The Gambia and to recognize the dangers of executive overreach. Jammeh's writing is not flamboyant; it is grounded and principled. He writes not to entertain but to educate and warn. Despite its significance, the book is notably absent from Gambian bookstores, libraries, and legal curricula. Its scarcity reflects a broader neglect of indigenous legal scholarship in favor of imported commentary and political improvisation.
In a country striving to rebuild its democratic institutions, this book should be essential reading not only for law students but for every citizen who values constitutional fidelity. Jammeh's work serves as a reminder that the rule of law is not merely a slogan; it is a framework that must be studied, taught, and defended. Until this book is placed back on our shelves and included in our syllabi, we remain at risk of losing sight of the very foundations of our republic.
Fatoumatta: In conclusion, during this era of constitutional amnesia and political improvisation, which often involves making ad-hoc decisions without due regard for established legal procedures, Jammeh's work powerfully reminds us that the rule of law is not just rhetoric; it is an essential structure that we all have a responsibility to uphold.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThe Gambia Appoints Pioneering Academic Professor Momodou Sallah as Executive Director of National ...
09/10/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Gambia Appoints Pioneering Academic Professor Momodou Sallah as Executive Director of National Research and Innovation Fund

BANJUL, The Gambia - 9 October 2025 - The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Momodou Sallah as the inaugural Executive Director of the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF).

The appointment, made by His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, follows the recent enactment of the National Research and Innovation Fund Act, 2025. Professor Sallah’s selection is a strategic move to position the NRIF as a catalyst for sustainable, knowledge-based national development.

As the Executive Director, Professor Sallah will be responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the Fund. His mandate includes providing strategic leadership to achieve the NRIF's core objective of financing and supplementing research, innovation, and development in The Gambia's post-secondary education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and key economic sectors.

As a former Professor of Teaching and Learning and Director of the Centre for Academic Innovation at De Montfort University (DMU) in the United Kingdom, Professor Sallah brings over two decades of distinguished leadership in academia, research, and large-scale project management. He is a recipient of the prestigious UK National Teaching Fellowship (2013) and the Times Higher Education Most Innovative Teacher of the Year award (2015).

Professor Sallah has a proven track record of securing and managing substantial external funding, having successfully led projects worth over $1.5 million from the World Bank and other international donors and research bodies. His recent role as Operational Manager of The Gambia’s Central Projects Coordinating Unit has equipped him with unparalleled expertise in financial governance, strategic delivery, and cross-institutional coordination.

In his capacity as Principal Investigator for The Gambia Centre of Excellence Project, he played a pivotal role in the transformation of the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) into the University of Science, Engineering, and Technology (USET), establishing critical structures such as an Innovation and Incubation Lab and a Quality Assurance system.

The Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, commented on the appointment, stating: "We are immensely privileged to have a scholar and leader of Professor Sallah's calibre return to serve his nation in this pivotal role. His international stature, combined with his deep commitment to The Gambia's development, makes him the ideal person to build the NRIF from the ground up. We are confident that under his visionary leadership, the Fund will unlock the immense creative and innovative potential of Gambian researchers, entrepreneurs, and institutions."

Upon accepting the appointment, Professor Momodou Sallah said: "I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with this national responsibility. The establishment of the NRIF is a transformative step for our country. I am committed to building a robust and inclusive innovation ecosystem that supports our brightest minds, fosters entrepreneurship, and provides practical solutions to our development challenges. Together, we will work to ensure that Gambian research and innovation become key drivers of our economic growth and social progress."

The National Research and Innovation Fund was established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2025 to strengthen the national innovation system by providing financial support to researchers, innovators, small and medium enterprises, thereby facilitating job creation and access to new markets.




About the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST):
MoHERST is responsible for formulating and implementing policies for the development of tertiary and higher education, as well as promoting research, science, technology, and innovation as pillars for The Gambia's sustainable socio-economic development.

For additional details:
www.moherst.gov.gm
[email protected]

“Master” Ousman Jammeh: A Legacy of Integrity and Vision—Mentor, Scholar, and Defender of Justice in Gambian and Interna...
09/10/2025

“Master” Ousman Jammeh: A Legacy of Integrity and Vision—Mentor, Scholar, and Defender of Justice in Gambian and International Law.

Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: In the annals of Gambian jurisprudence, few figures stand as resolutely as Master Ousman Jammeh—a man whose career has been defined by intellectual rigor, judicial integrity, and an unyielding commitment to justice. His journey from court clerk to Master of the Supreme Court is not merely a testament to perseverance but a reflection of his unwavering principles in the face of political turbulence.
Like the great legal minds before him—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Thurgood Marshall, and Lord Denning—Jammeh has understood that the law is not merely a tool of governance but a bulwark against tyranny. His refusal to be compromised, even when offered positions of power under Yahya Jammeh’s administration, speaks to his moral fortitude and dedication to judicial independence.
Jammeh’s contributions extend beyond the courtroom. His seminal work, "The Constitutional Law of The Gambia: 1965 - 2010", remains one of the most defining texts on Gambian legal history. It meticulously traces the evolution of constitutional governance, offering a comparative analysis of legal frameworks that shaped The Gambia’s transition from colonial rule to republicanism. His scholarship is not just academic—it is a roadmap for future legal minds seeking to understand the foundations of Gambian democracy.
Fatoumatta: Jammeh’s tenure as Coroner was marked by his fearless pursuit of truth, particularly in the aftermath of the April 10-11, 2000 student massacre. Tasked with investigating the fatal shootings of protesting students, his findings were met with resistance from the Jammeh government, which ultimately rejected his recommendations and removed him from his post. His dismissal was not a reflection of incompetence but rather a testament to his refusal to bend to political pressure.
The April 10-11 tragedy, where security forces opened fire on unarmed students, remains one of the darkest chapters in Gambian history. Jammeh’s role in documenting the truth and seeking accountability placed him in direct opposition to a regime that thrived on secrecy and suppression. His removal was a political maneuver, but his legacy as a defender of justice remains intact.
Fatoumatta: Beyond his judicial and scholarly contributions, Ousman Jammeh is a mentor and a guiding force. His dedication to nurturing future legal minds, his press-friendly approach to journalism, and his commitment to legal education have shaped generations of Gambian professionals. His vision for a judiciary free from political interference is not just aspirational—it is a necessary foundation for democratic governance.
As John Quincy Adams once said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." Jammeh embodies this philosophy, not through grandstanding or political maneuvering, but through quiet, steadfast service to the law and the people it protects.
Fatoumatta: Master Ousman Jammeh’s influence extends far beyond The Gambia, as his expertise has been sought in international legal institutions, reinforcing his reputation as one of Africa’s most distinguished judicial administrators.
In 2005, he joined the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania, an institution tasked with prosecuting those responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. His role in legal administration and judicial oversight placed him at the heart of one of the most significant transitional justice efforts in modern African history. The ICTR was not merely a court—it was a mechanism for historical reckoning, ensuring that justice was served for crimes against humanity. Jammeh’s contributions helped strengthen legal frameworks for international criminal justice, reinforcing Africa’s commitment to accountability and reconciliation.
Beyond Rwanda, Jammeh’s expertise was recognized by the African Development Bank (AfDB), where he played a role in legal advisory and governance structures. The AfDB, as a leading financial institution, is instrumental in shaping Africa’s economic policies, and Jammeh’s involvement underscores his ability to bridge law, governance, and economic development. His work at the AfDB reflects his versatility—not only as a legal scholar but as a strategist in institutional reform and financial governance.
His international service is a testament to his integrity, expertise, and unwavering commitment to justice, proving that his legal mind is not only a national asset but a continental treasure.
Fatoumatta: In the wake of Yahya Jammeh’s authoritarian rule, The Gambia faced a defining moment—an opportunity to rebuild its judiciary, restore public trust, and implement a robust transitional justice program. Yet, President Adama Barrow failed to harness the expertise of some of Gambia’s brightest legal minds, including Master Ousman Jammeh, whose experience in judicial administration, constitutional law, and international justice could have strengthened the country’s legal reforms.
Jammeh’s deep understanding of Gambian law, coupled with his international experience in Rwanda and the AfDB, positioned him as an ideal figure to guide The Gambia’s legal transition. His uncompromising integrity and commitment to judicial independence would have ensured that transitional justice was not merely symbolic but transformative.
Instead, The Gambia’s legal reforms have been marred by political maneuvering, missed opportunities, and a failure to fully integrate the wisdom of seasoned legal minds. The absence of figures like Ousman Jammeh in key transitional justice roles reflects a broader issue—the reluctance to embrace independent, principled experts who refuse to be compromised.
Jammeh is not just a legal scholar—he is a guardian of justice, and his exclusion from The Gambia’s judicial rebuilding process is a loss for the nation. His knowledge, experience, and integrity remain a treasure that The Gambia has yet to fully appreciate.
Fatoumatta: Ousman Jammeh’s career is a masterclass in judicial integrity. He has stood firm where others have faltered, choosing principle over power, justice over convenience. His legacy is not just in the laws he upheld or the cases he presided over, but in the minds he has shaped and the truths he has defended.
In a world where legal minds are often swayed by political tides, Jammeh remains an unwavering pillar of justice. His story is not just one of personal achievement—it is a blueprint for what Gambian law should aspire to be.

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