Yet, Mr President, a witty Gambian recently posed a piercing question: “Are they Commissions, or are they Omissions?”This question deserves deep reflection.
The Promise of Commissions
At their best, commissions serve the people by: uncovering truth where secrecy has bred impunity; holding leaders accountable for misuse of public trust; restoring faith in the rule of law and due process, and offering recommendations for systemic reforms to strengthen governance. Thus commissions embody the principle that no individual is above the law.
The Pitfalls of Omissions
Mr President, when commissions fail to deliver, they risk becoming instruments of omission. This is because reports are produced but gather dust on shelves; recommendations are delayed, diluted, or ignored, and justice becomes selective - punishing some while shielding others.Citizens therefore lose faith, seeing inquiries as political theatre rather than genuine reform.
Also, when follow-through is weak, commissions become costly exercises without consequences, breeding cynicism among a weary populace.
Lessons from the Past
Mr President, under former president Jawara, commissions often revealed truths, but enforcement was inconsistent. Under former president Jammeh, commissions sometimes served as tools of intimidation and asset seizure, undermining their credibility. Under your government, the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) raised expectations for justice and healing. But Gambians now watch closely: will recommendations be fully implemented, or will history repeat itself?
The Way Forward
Mr President, the real measure of a commission lies not in the drama of its hearings, but in the action taken afterward. For commissions to avoid becoming omissions, The Gambia must:
1. Institutionalise implementation — create an independent mechanism under Parliament to follow up on recommendations.
2. Set clear timelines for government response and action.
3. Ensure impartiality — commissions must serve justice, not politics.
4. Communicate transparently — keep the public informed of progress and challenges.
Conclusion
Mr President, Gambians are asking not just for inquiries, but for outcomes. Not just for reports, but for results. The time has come to transform commissions from symbols into solutions.
So the question remains: Will we continue with Commissions… or will we allow them to become Omissions?
The answer lies in your leadership, and in the collective will of our institutions to deliver justice and reform for the Gambian people.
Good day!