Once again, The Gambia stands at a crucial crossroads as the attempt to replace the 1997 constitution—a vestige of Yahya Jammeh’s brutal military dictatorship—drags on in a quagmire of political deadlock. 

The dream of a new republican constitution that could herald a transformative era of democracy and accountability feels increasingly unattainable. The inability to reach consensus among political parties and stakeholders amounts to not merely a legislative standoff, but a profound betrayal of the Gambian people’s aspirations. 

The 1997 constitution, amended more times than the U.S. Constitution despite its significantly shorter history, epitomises the authoritarianism from which it emerged. It has been reshaped to serve dictatorial interests, and its ongoing existence starkly highlights the unfinished work of The Gambia’s journey toward democracy. 

In 2020, a draft constitution was introduced with promises of change, generating broad support from opposition parties and civil society groups. Yet, it was astonishingly rejected by the National Assembly. The government’s subsequent attempt to introduce a revised draft in 2024 has met with equally dismal results. 

The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and its allies lack the necessary support to pass the bill, while the opposition, spearheaded by the United Democratic Party (UDP), remains unconvinced. 

The withdrawal of the 2024 draft from the National Assembly’s agenda for further consultations is a glaring reminder of the deep-seated divisions that plague Gambian politics. 

The government’s choice to delay the second reading of the bill, citing the need for wider stakeholder consultations, may seem pragmatic but is also troubling. 

While dialogue is indeed essential, the repeated failures to forge a consensus cast serious doubts on the genuine intent and effectiveness of the process. 

The involvement of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), under the guidance of Mohammed Ibn Chambas, offers a glimmer of hope, but even the most skilled mediators require authentic political will to effect change. 

Alarmingly, the government has adopted a selective approach to consultations, engaging only one opposition leader while sidelining other key players, including various opposition parties, civil society groups, and some of The Gambia’s most distinguished constitutional scholars. This narrow focus undermines the inclusivity essential for addressing such a critical national concern. 

The meeting between President Adama Barrow and opposition leader Ousainou Darboe did not represent a step forward; rather, it exemplified the political exclusion of vital stakeholders. The lack of substantive progress serves as a testament to the entrenched nature of this impasse. 

For the 2024 draft constitution to gain traction, it requires the backing of at least 42 members of the National Assembly—but given the current political climate, that threshold seems increasingly out of reach.

Politics, at its core, is about persuasion and compromise. A genuine national dialogue, led by Gambians for Gambians, should have been the bedrock of this process. Instead, the government has once again opted for foreign mediation, echoing the failed 2020 efforts led by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

This dependence on outside actors reflects a troubling lack of trust in Gambian politicians and constitutional experts. It is disheartening that, despite a wealth of domestic expertise, Gambians are being sidelined in resolving their own political and constitutional challenges. 

The process of drafting a new constitution should be a moment of national unity and pride—an opportunity to “Gambianise” our politics and forge an agreement that truly reflects the will of the people. This stalemate is far more than a failure of governance; it is a deep betrayal of the hopes and dreams of the Gambian people. 

A new constitution is not merely a legal document; it embodies renewal and lays the groundwork for a more just and democratic society. The continued reliance on the 1997 constitution, rooted in dictatorship, is a painful reminder of Yahya Jammeh’s oppressive legacy—one that Gambians yearn to leave behind.

As the nation awaits decisive action from its leaders, the pressing question remains: How long will The Gambia be held captive by its troubled history? The time for excuses is long over. It is time for concrete action, genuine compromise, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and justice. Anything less would be an affront to the resilience and aspirations of the Gambian people.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow