Gunjur Ward Councillor Urges Lawmakers to Reject 2024 Draft Constitution

Gunjur, The Gambia – Gunjur Ward Councillor Momodou Charreh Gibba has called on members of the National Assembly to reject The Gambia’s 2024 Draft Constitution, which is currently before lawmakers for its second reading.

2024 Draft Constitution is in the assembly for second reading. | Photo credit: National Assembly

In an open letter dated 6 July 2025, Councillor Gibba raised concerns about the legitimacy and inclusivity of the proposed constitution, warning that it risks undermining democratic principles.

“This document, widely known as the Barrow & Jallow Draft fails to meet the basic standards of legitimacy, inclusivity, and democratic spirit,” he wrote. “It is not a product of the people’s will, but rather a self-serving framework constructed to entrench power and protect political incumbents from accountability.”

Gibba argued that the 2020 Draft Constitution, which was rejected in parliament in September 2020, had been developed through extensive national consultations and broad public engagement. He described that earlier draft as “a beacon of hope for systemic reform and democratic renewal” and said its abandonment was “a national betrayal.”

“The stakes are too high for political compromise. Our democratic future must not be shaped by executive convenience, but by the aspirations of the people,” he added.

The councillor urged lawmakers to reject the 2024 Draft Constitution and instead revisit the 2020 Draft as the basis for a “people-centered constitution.”

“History is watching,” he wrote. “Let it remember you among those who stood with the people.”

The National Assembly is expected to continue deliberations on the draft constitution in the coming weeks, amid differing views from political stakeholders and civil society groups about the way forward for constitutional reform.