THE RELATION BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

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Section 79 of the Constitution reads:

“(1) The President shall be responsible for –

(c)        the  negotiation  and,  subject to ratification by the  National Assembly,  the conclusion  of treaties and other international agreements…”

It is clear from this that before any treaty or agreement is concluded it must be ratified by the National Assembly. It is reported that agreements have been signed for Gambian labour force deployed for employment to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is not mentioned that the agreement has been or will be brought to the National Assembly for ratification.

It is important for all agreements to be subject to proper scrutiny so that there will be proper monitoring and evaluation of the implementation process to avoid any disadvantage to Gambians concerned.