By Buba Gagigo
A recent Afrobarometer survey has revealed that 43% of Gambians believe that most or all judges and magistrates in the country are corrupt, while 46% say they do not trust the judiciary.
According to the survey findings, fewer than half of Gambians trust the courts, believe that ordinary citizens can obtain justice, or feel they can afford legal proceedings. Many respondents expressed concerns about inequality under the law and the perception that powerful individuals who break the law often escape punishment.
“Fewer than half (46%) of survey respondents say they trust the courts “somewhat” or “a lot.” More than four in 10 citizens (43%) say that “most” or “all” judges and magistrates are corrupt. A majority (56%) of Gambians say that people are “often” or “always” treated unequally under the law. Six in 10 (59%) say officials who break the law frequently go unpunished. Almost half (48%) of respondents say that judges and magistrates “often” or “always” decide cases based on the influence of powerful people, rather than based on the law,” the survey revealed.
The survey also revealed that an overwhelming proportion (80%) of Gambians say the death penalty is a fair punishment for the most serious crimes.
Confidence in the justice system remains low, with only 44% of respondents feeling that ordinary citizens who have been wronged can obtain justice in court. Just 34% believe they could access legal advice, while only 31% feel they could afford to take a legal matter to court. Additionally, only 39% think their cases would be resolved fairly, and 38% believe they would be handled within a reasonable timeframe. Awareness of legal aid services is also extremely low, with just 10% of Gambians saying they know of available legal aid options in their communities.
“Fewer than half (44%) of Gambians say they feel “somewhat confident” or “very confident” that ordinary people who are wronged can obtain justice in the courts. Only about one-third of citizens say they could probably find legal advice (34%) and afford to take a legal problem to court (31%), if necessary. About four in 10 think such a case would be resolved fairly (39%) and within a reasonable time period (38%). Only 10% say they are aware of legal aid services that are available in their community,” the survey said.
When it comes to resolving legal disputes, only 2% of Gambians said they would seek help from a lawyer or local court. Instead, 31% would turn to the police, while others would seek assistance from elders or traditional leaders (20%), family members (16%), or religious leaders (6%).
Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life.
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