The Gambia National Assembly

National Assembly debates Electricity Crisis as Matter of the Day

The National Assembly today deliberated on a Matter of the Day brought by Hon. Yahya Sanyang, Member for Latrikunda Sabiji on the current electricity crisis affecting large parts of the country.

Hon. Sanyang, described the prolonged power outages as "a full-blown economic and social emergency" rather than a mere inconvenience.

He detailed the devastating economic consequences, noting that small and medium sized enterprises like tailors, mechanics, hairdressers, and corner shop owners are watching their livelihoods evaporate because they cannot power their businesses.

While acknowledging the explanations from the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) regarding a 60-megawatt drop in regional imports and missing spare parts.

Hon. Sanyang further demanded that the Assembly compel the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and NAWEC to produce an immediate, transparent roadmap to stabilize the national grid before mid-June and comprehensive strategy to urgently upgrade local generation capacity at facilities such as Kotu and Brikama.

Following the laying of the Matter of the Day, The Chairperson of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC), Honorable Alhagie S Darbo also laid a report on the study tour to Kenya on Programme Based Budgeting (PBB), undertaken jointly with the Public Enterprises Committee and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs from 15th to 19th December 2025.

NAM for Lower Baddibu raises concerns against tribal divisions

The National Assembly Member for Lower Badibu, Hon. Kemo Gassama today raised alarm over the growing threat of hate speech and tribalism in The Gambia, calling it a danger to national unity and peace.

Tabling the matter of the day before the Assembly Hon. Gassama noted that hate speech is being fueled and amplified by politicians and individuals in positions of authority, those who should instead be agents of peace and unity.

“Hate speech must never be tolerated in any civilized society. It is dangerous, divisive, and destructive. It creates mistrust among citizens, fuels hostility, and undermines the spirit of national cohesion that we have worked so hard to build as a people,”he emphasized.

He warned that tribal profiling and ethnic discrimination are on the rise, encouraging citizens to judge one another by ethnic background rather than character or contribution.

Hon. Gassama called on the government to enforce existing laws against hate speech and tribal incitement without fear or favor, and urged institutions responsible for peace and cohesion to act swiftly against those who seek to divide the nation.

Following the tabling of the Matter of the Day, Hon. Members also debated on the dangers of hate speech and tribal politics.

Five Cabinet Ministers scheduled for the Questions for Oral Answers appeared before the Assembly to respond to Oral Questions raised by Honorable Members in relation to their various ministries.

The Oral Question and Answer session was in accordance with Order 36 and 41 of the Standing Orders.of the National Assembly.

Among the Honourable the Honourable Ministers that appeared are:

The Hon. Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang;
Hon. Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang; Hon. Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Nani Juwara; Hon.Minister of Youths and Sports, Bakary Y Badjie and the Hon.Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy KM Keita.

SECOND ORDINARY SESSION IN THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE YEAR.

Order Paper for the Sitting of Wednesday 10th June, 2026.

1. PRAYERS

2. Correction and Approval of the Record of Votes and Proceedings, sitting of Tuesday 9th June, 2026.

3. ⁠ORDER 41 - QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS:

I. HON. MINISTER FOR INTERIOR

II. HON. MINISTER FOR PETROLEUM AND ENERGY

III. HON. MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

IV. HON. MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS

V. HON. MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

Assembly Ratifies AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, Adopts Motion to Establish Standing Committee on Government Assurances

The National Assembly has ratified the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG), following a motion tabled by Hon. Fatou Sanyang, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare.

The ratification signals The Gambia's commitment to a continental framework aimed at preventing gender-based violence, protecting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.

Tabling the Motion before the Assembly the Minister emphasized that The Gambia signed the convention on 11th July 2025 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, and acceded to it through a cabinet decision on 8th January 2026.

In the same session, a resolution was introduced by the Honorable Majority Leader and Member for Kantora, Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, on the establishment of a Standing Committee on Government Assurances a body that would monitor and follow up on commitments made by the executive to the Assembly.

The proposed Standing committee aims to strengthen oversight and ensure that promises made by government are tracked and fulfilled.

SECOND ORDINARY SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE YEAR

Order Paper for the Sittings of Tuesday 09th June, 2026.

1. PRAYERS

2. Correction and Approval of Record of Votes and Proceedings of the Assembly Sitting of Monday, 8th June, 2026.

3. MOTION

i. BE IT RESOLVED that this august Assembly do consider and Ratify The African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG)
(By the Hon, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Welfare)
[Time allotted is 1 hour] - SO61(2)

ii. Be it resolved that this August Assembly do establish a Standing Committee on Government Assurances.
(By the Hon. Majority Leader)
[Time allotted is 1 hour] - S0 61(2)