The ministry of justice is one of the most important in any government in the world. This is so because the establishment of justice (on which the attainment and maintenance of peace hinge) is of paramount significance in the development of a nation.
It is for this reason that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice is always someone who should be of the highest integrity. He must also be someone with experience and have the expertise required to man that important office.
This is more so when it is at a time when the nation emerges from a difficult past, a dictatorship, like in the case of The Gambia at the moment. It is a time that a lot of reforms have to be embarked upon to restore sanity in the governance system.
In recent times the Gambia has seen a series of high profile resignations which can have an impact of the transitional justice delivery. The Minister of Justice, Mr Baa Tambadou tendered his resignation last week and was replaced by Mr Dawda A Jallow.
The outgoing minister had put some very important reforms on their footing. These are such that their successful completion will bring about very important achievements in the country. His resignation at this material time will therefore engender some challenges.
Thankfully, the presidency acted swiftly to appoint a new Attorney General and Minister of Justice in the person of Dawda A. Jallow who is said to be very capable as well. This can minimize any potential damage that could hav resulted from the exit of the former AG and Minister of Justice.
As there would be some records for institutional memory, perhaps it will not be that difficult for the new minister to take off from where his predecessor stopped so that the work will continue smoothly without any hitches.
It is hoped that Dawda A Jallow will bring the same level of expertise and enthusiasm as his predecessor if not more. For, this is a key portfolio, the success of which will translate into success for the whole nation.
In a similar vein, Mr Alhasan Senghore, coordinator of government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic also resigned. It is hoped that his replacement will be named quickly to ensure that the work being done is not adversely affected by it.
