Edrissa Faal Sworn in as Chief Justice, Commits to Rule of Law
His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Friday, 31 July 2026, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Pa Edrissa M.O. Faal as the new Chief Justice of the Republic of The Gambia at the State House in Banjul.
President Barrow appointed Faal following a recommendation from the Judicial Service Commission, succeeding Honourable Hassan B. Jallow, who retired after serving as Chief Justice for over nine years. During the ceremony, the newly appointed Chief Justice took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Secrecy, formally assuming responsibility as head of the Gambian Judiciary.
In his remarks, President Barrow described the occasion as a historic moment of constitutional significance and an honour to preside over the formal swearing-in of Faal as the successor to Jallow.
“Today, we reaffirm our collective commitment to an independent, impartial, and effective judiciary as the cornerstone of our constitutional order,” President Barrow said.
He noted that the Office of the Chief Justice represents the highest judicial office in the country and serves as an institution through which the Constitution speaks to every citizen and resident of The Gambia. According to President Barrow, the office requires a person of exceptional intellectual ability, professional integrity, and moral courage to administer justice without fear, favour, or prejudice. He explained that the decision to appoint Faal followed a careful and thorough process, based on his outstanding professional record, academic qualifications, international experience, and personal character.
“Mr Faal has been practising law for over four decades at the highest levels of the Common Law world,” President Barrow said, adding that his career includes appearances in state and federal courts in the United States, as well as representing sovereign states in international arbitration cases, including The Gambia at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
The President also highlighted Faal’s contribution to legal education in The Gambia, noting his role as a lecturer at The Gambia Law School and his sponsorship of awards recognising outstanding students in Company Law and Commercial Practice. President Barrow expressed confidence that the new Chief Justice would bring both experience and integrity to the office, describing him as a legal professional whose commitment to justice and the country has remained unwavering throughout his career.
He also paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Justice Jallow, commending him for his distinguished service and significant reforms that strengthened the Gambian Judiciary. President Barrow cited several achievements under Jallow’s leadership, including the establishment of the Special Criminal Division and Commercial Division, construction of the Bundung Court Complex, revision of the High Court Civil Procedure Rules, and extension of the Judiciary Strategic Plan to 2027.
Responding after taking the oath, Chief Justice Faal expressed gratitude to President Barrow for the confidence placed in him and acknowledged the constitutional role played by the Judicial Service Commission in his appointment. He described his appointment as a rare opportunity for a Gambian legal professional to return home and contribute his knowledge, skills, and experience to the service of the nation.
Chief Justice Faal acknowledged the immense responsibility attached to the office, stating that the position of Chief Justice is a public trust requiring the holder to administer justice independently, impartially, and in accordance with the rule of law. He paid tribute to his predecessor for his leadership and contributions to strengthening the independence of the Judiciary, promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution, improving access to justice, and rebuilding public confidence in the courts. He emphasised that the Judiciary and the legal profession have complementary roles in safeguarding justice, stressing that all members of the bench and bar must uphold the integrity of the legal system and place justice above all other considerations.
Faal brings decades of legal experience and expertise, having practised law at both national and international levels, including in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Throughout his distinguished career, he has appeared before several courts, including the US Supreme Court, and handled complex legal matters involving criminal trials, international disputes, and constitutional issues.
