President
Adama Barrow has said his government through the Attorney General and Minister
of Justice will establish a commission that would conduct an inquiry into those
that were arrested and disappeared without trace.
He
also gave an order for those arrested and detained without trial to be
released.
The
President was addressing the nation during his inauguration and the celebration
of Gambia’s 52nd independence anniversary, held at the Independence Stadium in
Bakau.
President
Barrow said orders have already been given for all those detained without trial
to be released.
The
Attorney General and Minister of Justice would receive information regarding
all those who were arrested without being traced, and an appropriate commission
will be established to conduct enquiries on their disappearance.
The
national human rights commission will be established to complement the
initiative of the AG.
“The
government will undertake constitutional and legal reforms, which will be
highlighted in my first address to the National Assembly which intends to
reform to enforce constitutional provisions that are intended to protect the
fundamental rights of the citizens.”
President
Barrow added that the National Council for Civic Education, will be provided
with facilities to conduct civic education to promote national reconciliation,
in collaboration with other organizations that are set to promote national
unity and reconciliation.
President
Barrow further said the judiciary would receive adequate support in terms of
personnel and independence, to deliver justice without fear or favour.
He
said: “Gambia during the impasse knows what solidarity means. Senegal has
proven to be a friend in the time of needs. The people of Senegal helped the
people who fled and government hosted me as President-elect and worked hand in
glove with ECOWAS, the AU, the UN, the international community, in general, to
ensure that the verdict of the Gambian people is not violated.
“In
this regard, my first trip as a head of state will be to Senegal so that we
could discuss and conclude on matters such as the Senegambia Bridge, our common
borders, the status of the Senegal-Gambia secretariat and other outstanding
issues.”
President
Barrow also said the Ministry of Information and Communication and
Infrastructure would be given support to sustain its local area network.
This,
he went on, would make it possible for the government to maintain the regional
communications centres and provide them with the necessary ICT services.
The
new regional communications centres would create better communications and
cooperation between companies and institutions, he continued.
“The media both public and private will enjoy
freedom of disseminating divergent views and descending opinions, as required
by the constitution,” he said, adding that the media laws shall be reviewed and
a code of conduct for responsible journalism promoted.
“This
will include re-orientation of state media to keep up its public service
responsibilities. Civil service reforms will be undertaken,” he continued.
“The
Ministry of Planning and Good Governance is to be established to facilitate and
monitor the development and implementation of the blueprint for socioeconomic
development.
“The
provision of quality social services is the fundamental objective of the
government under my presidency.
“Regional
administration will be done by public servants, and not political appointees.
The grading structures of the civil service will be reviewed, and pensioners
also will benefit from the reforms.”
