The Gambia Law Society has pledged its full institutional support to Chief Justice Ediissa M.O. Faal, describing his appointment as a “clear testament” to his legal acumen, integrity, and dedication to the rule of law.
In a statement read during the Society’s courtesy call, Law Society President Lamin K. Mboge offered “warmest congratulations” on Faal’s appointment and assured him that “you are not alone in this strife”
President Mboge’s statement went further than the Law Society’s earlier institutional position, offering personal and professional endorsement of Edi Faal’s fitness for office.
“Your appointment to this office is a clear testament to your legal acumen, integrity, and lifelong dedication to upholding the rule of law,” Mboge said.
The statement also acknowledged Edi Faal’s international reputation: “We at the Gambia Law Society are proud of your achievements internationally and we believe that you can transform the Judiciary and it to higher heights from where your predecessor has left it.”
The Law Society identified specific areas where it expects Chief Justice Edi Faal to lead reform.
First, representation of the Bar on the General Legal Council, signaling that the Society expects collaborative governance structures between lawyers and judges.
Second, case backlog and congestion in courts a persistent problem that requires urgent attention.
Third, expanded access to justice, particularly for citizens unable to afford legal representation.
Fourth, modernization of the Judiciary, including infrastructure, technology, and institutional reform.
The Law Society expressed confidence that Edi Faal’s tenure would “bring progressive reforms and lasting solutions to the mounting problems facing the Judiciary such as human resource capacity and infrastructural handicap, mobility for judicial staff to facilitate their work and ensuring commitment and dedication to duties.”
Edi Faal sits as Chief Justice while facing a constitutional challenge from the Gambia Bar Association and a
Public debate over his qualifications
Against that backdrop, the Law Society’s statement give support to the Chief Justice “our visit is a reassurance of our unwavering support and reassurance that you are not alone in this strife”
The Law Society’s public support stands in direct contrast to the Bar Association’s constitutional petition.
The Bar Association argues that Section 139(5)(b) of the Constitution requires Parliament to formally prescribe non-Commonwealth countries before their lawyers can qualify for Chief Justice. Since the U.S. has not been prescribed by Parliament, the GBA argues, Faal does not meet the constitutional standard.
The Law Society rejects that interpretation and give its support for Edi Faal’s appointment and celebration of his international achievements, the Society believes American legal experience qualifies under the Constitution.
“The Law Society stands ready to cooperate with the Judiciary in all respects and to defend and uphold the Constitution of The Gambia as one of the main aims and objectives of the Law Society embedded under Article 4(1)(a) of our Constitution.” Law society assured.
The Society also stated: “We believe that robust dialogue and collaboration between institutions like the Judiciary and the Law Society are vital to strengthening the administration of justice and safeguarding the rights of our citizens.”
The statements signals that the Law Society intends to work constructively with Edi Faal’s leadership not to oppose or undermine it, but to partner in institutional reform.
