Yesterday, under the presidency of Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow, the Supreme Court of the Gambia commenced its proceedings by adjudicating on five petitions lodged by the UDP against the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

The cases pertain to provisions 5 (i) (b), 127 (i)166, and 170 (i) of the Gambia Constitution, as well as Foreign Service Rules 2012 and General Orders for the Public Service of the Gambia (2018) rule 0202.

The petition challenges, among other things, the Public Service Commission and the appointments of Sheikh Tijan Hydara, Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, Lamin Bojang alias Lamin Satou Bojang, Ousman Jatta alias Rambo Jatta, and Dembo Bojang alias Dembo.

A motion was filed by the state, represented by Binga D., director of civil litigation, to consolidate the cases listed below. 1. United Democratic Party and Alhaji Madi Ceesay v. Fatoumatta Juhumpa Ceesay, Attorney General, and Public Service Commission, 2. Sheikh Tijan Hydara, Public Service Commission, and Attorney General v. Alhaji Madi Ceesay UDP 3. The case between Alhaji Madi Ceesay and the UDP and Lamin Bojang, the Public Service Commission, and the AG. 4. Ousman Jatta, the Public Service Commission, and the Attorney General vs. Alhaji Madi K. Ceesay and UDP 5. Ebrima Dibba and UDP 6. Dembo Bojang alias Dembo The Public Service Commission and the Attorney General, by coercion.

The court subsequently issued an order for ANM Ousainu Darboe, the petitioners’ legal counsel, to submit a new application that includes a statement of cases that he intends to consolidate. The case was subsequently adjourned, and notices will be issued regarding the date of the hearing.