The Gambia government has issued a statement to clarify the status of a report from the National Assembly’s Joint Committee concerning allegations of illegal importation and sale of petroleum products.

In the wake of widespread public discussion and calls for immediate executive action, the government emphasised that the report remains an internal document and has not yet been officially debated or adopted by the National Assembly in a plenary session.

According to the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, a committee report only gains formal status once it has been laid before and adopted by the Assembly. Until this process is complete, the document does not constitute an official report of the Assembly.”

The statement further referenced the 1997 Constitution, noting that the National Assembly exercises its authority through laws and resolutions passed in plenary.

It added, “The government can only respond to matters formally communicated via appropriate legislative channels.”

The government also highlighted procedural requirements under the National Assembly’s Standing Orders, which stipulate that the relevant minister or government department must respond within thirty days of the Assembly’s adoption of any committee report or resolution.

However, the spokesperson confirmed that “as of now, no official report or resolution has been received by the Government in relation to this matter.”

Reiterating respect for the separation of powers and the oversight role of the National Assembly, the government affirmed its commitment to accountability, due process, and the rule of law.

It stressed that executive responses must be based on formally adopted Assembly resolutions or reports, rather than unofficial or leaked documents.

The statement concluded by urging members of the public to exercise caution and patience when interpreting unofficial information, saying, “We ask Gambians to allow due process to take its course. The government continues to monitor developments closely and will take appropriate action once official parliamentary procedures are concluded and communication received.”

By Adama Makasuba