Gambia Bar Association blocks Edi M. O. Faal chief justice appointment

The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) held an Emergency General Meeting on 6 July 2026, where its General Membership unanimously resolved that Mr. Edi M. O. Faal does not satisfy the constitutional qualifications for the office of Chief Justice under section 139(2) of the Gambian Constitution. The GBA emphasized that the objection concerns only the constitutional eligibility criteria, not the nominee’s integrity or professional competence.

Following the meeting, the GBA formally transmitted its resolution to the President of the Republic, the Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, urging them to give careful consideration to the constitutional issues raised. The association pledged to monitor the situation and indicated it would take further steps if necessary to uphold the rule of law and constitutional supremacy.