By Ramatoulie Jawo
The National Assembly of the Gambia passed the Commission of Inquiry Amendment Bill 2023 on Thursday, September 2, 2023.
The bill, which was introduced by Attorney General and Minister for Justice Hon. Dawda A. Jallow under a certificate of urgency, amends the Commission of Inquiry Act to allow the President to review the Commission’s findings and for connected matters.
The bill also seeks to define the meanings of “Minister” and “Whitepaper” under the Act, give the President the power to issue amnesty to persons banned from holding public office and provide a criterion for persons entitled to apply for amnesty.
After a heated debate at the consideration stage, clause 7 of the bill was deleted and some parts of clause 6 were amended. Clause 6 of the bill talks about persons qualified to apply for amnesty.
The Commission of Inquiry Amendment Bill 2023 is the fourth bill the Government of the Gambia has brought to Parliament in the 2023 First Extraordinary Session.