On Monday, February 16, 2026, Hassan B. Jallow, the Chief Justice of The Gambia, emphasized the crucial importance that human capital plays in promoting sustained national development.
Speaking at the Third National Dialogue, Justice Jallow emphasized that without investing in its citizens, no nation, no matter how rich in natural resources, can make long-term success.
“No nation, despite the wealth of its national resources, can make sustained progress without harnessing its human capital,” he said. “The people must always be the agents, the catalysts, and the ultimate beneficiaries of any development process.”
He described education, training, and capacity building as crucial foundations for inclusive growth and underlined the urgent need for ongoing investment in these areas, especially for the nation’s youth.
“Investment in education training and capacity building must be and remain a key priority for national development. It is indeed the key to national development,” he noted.
Recalling the idea that democracy is “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Justice Jallow again emphasized the significance of democratic governance. In addition to appealing for polite speech and behavior during political campaigns, he urged all parties involved to make sure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and peaceful.
He stated that, in light of the results of earlier national dialogues, they had offered chances to recognize and reaffirm a dedication to fundamental national values, such as democracy, the rule of law, accountability, respect for human rights, social and economic advancement, and the peaceful settlement of conflicts.
“As we reaffirm our collective commitment to these values, we must be guided by the old adage that democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he said.
He added that although democracy is meant to serve the people, active public engagement must be the cornerstone of its basis.
“Democratic government must be based on the sovereign, freely expressed consent of the people, by their freely chosen representatives, selected freely and fairly in an electoral process,” he added.
Justice Jallow expressed hope for the nation’s democratic journey, saying he maintains faith in its capacity to handle the coming years.
“I am confident we can and will, as a nation, successfully navigate, as we have done many a time in the past, this important gateway to democracy and best equip ourselves to reach the destination of national peace, progress, and prosperity,” he added.
