Africa-Press – Gambia. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice has withdrawn the Judicial Officers Remuneration and Other Entitlements Bill, 2024, citing the need to address ambiguities and irregularities within the proposed legislation.
The decision, made in accordance with Standing Order 76 of the National Assembly, halts the bill’s progression to the next stage of legislative scrutiny. According to the Minister, the withdrawal will allow for revisions to correct certain “mischiefs” in the text, which could potentially undermine the bill’s intent and clarity.
Originally tabled before lawmakers as a critical reform initiative, the bill aimed to overhaul the remuneration framework for members of the judiciary. It was designed to address longstanding concerns over inadequate compensation for judges, a situation widely seen as a deterrent to attracting seasoned legal professionals from private practice to the bench.
Beyond salary adjustments, the bill also sought to ensure that judicial appointments appeal to individuals with the requisite expertise and integrity necessary for upholding the rule of law and advancing judicial independence. It proposed parity with regional benchmarks for judicial pay, aligning The Gambia’s standards with those of comparable jurisdictions.
The legislation further aimed to address the risks and demands inherent in judicial service by strengthening retirement provisions and introducing survivor benefits for judges’ spouses and dependents—measures intended to recognize the personal and professional sacrifices made by members of the judiciary.
At its core, the bill underscored the government’s stated commitment to reinforcing the integrity, independence, and effectiveness of the judiciary. Its temporary withdrawal signals a pause—not an end—to these efforts, with the Justice Ministry expected to reintroduce a revised version in due course.
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