22nd – 24th July 2026

Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly,
The Honourable Chief Justice of The Gambia,
The President of the Commonwealth,
Cabinet Ministers,
Judges,
Honourable Members of the National Assembly,
Senior Government Officials and Security Service Chiefs,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I extend my sincere gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat, our national institutions, and all participants whose presence here demonstrates the importance of this dialogue. Together, let us strengthen the foundations of democracy and justice in our beloved nation.

The theme of this conference, “Upholding the Rule of Law and Democratic Balance: A Tripartite Engagement on the Latimer House Principles in The Gambia, captures the essence of our democratic journey. It reminds us that the strength of our nation lies not in the power of one branch of government, but in the balance among all three, namely: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary.

The Latimer House Principles provide us with a framework to ensure that this balance is maintained. They call for the independence of public institutions, accountability of leadership, and respect for the rule of law. In The Gambia, these principles are not abstract ideals; they are the foundation upon which our new democratic order is built.

We hold this gathering as a loud testament to our shared commitment to strengthening democratic governance through dialogue, cooperation, and respect for the rule of law.

The presence of the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary in The Gambia, alongside our partners from the Commonwealth, casts emphasis on the significance of unity in diversity and collaboration in safeguarding democracy.

The Gambia’s transition to democracy has been marked by the strong determination of our people to reclaim their rights and restore the integrity of principled governance.

As we gather here in this tripartite engagement, we are reaffirming that the rule of law is not negotiable, and that democratic balance is essential for peace, justice, and sustainable development.

This conference is, therefore, more than a dialogue; it is a pledge. It is a pledge that the Executive will govern with accountability, that the Legislature will legislate responsibly, and that the Judiciary will adjudicate justly and independently. Together, we will uphold the Latimer House Principles as the guiding light of our democracy.

In The Gambia, we recognise that the resilience of our democracy depends on the effective and independent, but harmonious, functioning of all three branches of government. This tripartite engagement provides us with a unique opportunity to reflect on our progress, confront our challenges, and reaffirm our dedication to building a society where the rule of law is the cornerstone of peace, stability, and development.

As we deliberate over the next three days, let us do so with a sincere spirit of openness and a shared vision of a democratic Gambia that stands as a beacon of good governance within the Commonwealth. Let us commit ourselves to ensuring that the principles we uphold today will guide all generations, now and forever.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, The Gambia’s journey to democracy has been one of resilience, renewal, and reaffirmation of our collective values. Emerging from decades of authoritarian rule, our nation embraced change in 2017, choosing the path of constitutionalism, accountability, and respect for fundamental freedoms.

This transition was not merely political; it was a moral commitment to restore the dignity of our institutions and the trust of our people. In this regard, the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles have served as a guiding light.

They remind us that democracy flourishes only when the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary operate independently, yet collectively, in the service of the nation.

Since our return to democratic governance, The Gambia has undertaken reforms to strengthen judicial independence, empower parliamentary oversight, and ensure that the Executive remains accountable to the people. These efforts reflect our determination to embed the Latimer House Principles into the very fabric of our governance system.

We comprehend very clearly that democracy is a continuous process. Naturally, as such, challenges remain, but through dialogue, cooperation, and respect for the rule of law, we are building a Gambia where institutions are resilient, rights are protected, and justice is upheld.

Explicitly, therefore, our transition is not only a national achievement but also a Commonwealth story and a testament to the enduring relevance of the Latimer House Principles in guiding nations towards democratic balance and sustainable peace.

With this affirmation, I declare the Tripartite Conference on the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles officially open. Thank you for your attention.