Gambia: Attorney General Urges Law Officers to Study Chief Justice Jallow's Writings

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Foroyaa report from Serrekunda by Yankuba Jallow, reported that Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow, used a farewell ceremony on Monday at the Superior Courts Complex in Banjul to honor retiring Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow. The attorney general described the occasion as historically significant because Jallow was said to be the first Gambian chief justice to finish a full term and retire after reaching the constitutional retirement age.

Dawda Jallow said his professional relationship with the chief justice began when he became attorney general in July 2020. He noted that they worked together for six years on matters linking the executive and judiciary, including through Cabinet engagement and their roles on the General Legal Council, where the chief justice chaired the body and the attorney general served as vice-chair. He credited Hassan Jallow with emphasizing professional integrity in the legal sector.

The attorney general also highlighted the retiring chief justice’s broader career, including past service as attorney general and minister of justice, Supreme Court justice, and roles in international criminal justice bodies before returning as chief justice in 2017 during Gambia’s democratic transition. He said Jallow’s leadership helped reinforce judicial independence, improve case management, reduce delays and promote continuing legal education, while acknowledging that reform work remains unfinished.

A central theme of the tribute was Jallow’s writing. Dawda Jallow urged government lawyers, especially State Counsel in his chambers, to study Chapter 10 of Law, Justice and Governance, which examines the office of the law officer. He said the chapter offers guidance on constitutional duties, professional independence, conflicts of interest and the ethical responsibilities of public lawyers.