National Assembly to Renew Push for Public Order Act Revie

SSR Forum Photo Source: Ms. Emi Leung - UNDP Governance Officer:
Hon. Madi MK Ceesay, Member of Parliament for Serekunda West representing the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has reaffirmed the commitment to continue efforts within The Gambia’s National Assembly to review and reform the controversial Public Order Act. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to repeal or amend the legislation, Hon. Ceesay emphasised that the campaign to revisit the law remains active amid growing concerns about its impact on fundamental rights. The Public Order Act, initially enacted decades ago and subsequently amended in 1963 and 2009, has faced constant criticism. Many deem it unconstitutional due to its restrictions on public assembly, despite a 2017 Supreme Court ruling upholding its legality—one that determined police permits for public processions under Section 5 are reasonable limitations on freedoms guaranteed by the constitution. Hon. Ceesay argued that peaceful protest is constitutionally protected, and that police should facilitate such rights by reviewing protest notifications and providing protection rather than restricting participation. Calls for reform or repeal have intensified since the Supreme Court decision, especially as the Act has frequently been used to limit peaceful protests. Presenting a paper on the National Assembly’s role in Security Sector Reform (SSR) during SSR Forum organised by the UNDP at the Ocean Bay Hotel, Hon. Ceesay acknowledged ongoing debates about the Public Order Act’s place in Gambian law. Citing a lack of political will as a key barrier, he reaffirmed the Assembly’s pivotal role in shaping laws that advance security sector accountability, protect human rights, and promote governance transparency. The National Assembly has spearheaded reforms in key areas since The Gambia’s democratic transition in 2017. Noteworthy legislation includes the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission Act (2017), the Torture Act (2023), and the Special Accountability Mechanism Act (2024). The imminent passage of the National Security Council Bill further highlights the Assembly’s progressive agenda. Despite challenges such as limited technical expertise, political factors, and resource constraints, Hon. Ceesay advocates for enhanced training, inclusive stakeholder engagement, bipartisan cooperation, and strengthened oversight to ensure sustained reform momentum. Ultimately, the Assembly’s active leadership remains critical to reforming security governance. These efforts not only enhance security sector professionalism and public trust but also consolidate democratic principles and the rule of law in The Gambia. The ongoing drive to amend the Public Order Act emphasises a national resolve to uphold civil liberties while fostering a secure and democratic environment for all Gambians. Thanks to the organisers and various resource persons and coordinating team for your information. May Merciful Lord Guide and bless our actions, Ameen

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