Fafa Edrissa M’Bai, who served as Gambia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General under both the Jawara and Jammeh governments, has passed away on Wednesday. He was 82 years old.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late senior attorney and influential lawyer. He has been remembered as one of the nation’s finest sons whose legacy will continue to be remembered.

Dr Cherno Umar Barry, an academic and former civil servant, praised the late lawyer M’Bai as a mentor whose vision for justice was apt.

“His vision for justice was not abstract, it was personal, lived, and deeply rooted in the values he embodied,” he said in his tribute.

Justice Ebrima Jaiteh also mourned lawyer M’bai passing, describing it as  a “deep void in my heart”.

“Fafa has left us—but not empty-handed. He left us with his words, his vision, his courage. He left us with lessons etched in pages, and in the hearts of those who truly knew him.

“His contributions to The Gambia’s legal development are immeasurable. He played a pioneering role in establishing the annual Legal Year celebrations, a tradition that continues to emphasize the significance of law, justice, and governance in our nation. He was instrumental in initiating massive legal reforms that strengthened the judicial system and ensured access to justice for all Gambians,” he added.

Almameh James Manga also praised the deceased, saying “Uncle Fafa M’Bai was a legal titan who served his country with distinction. Sad to hear of his passing.”

By Adama Makasuba