Loan scheme declared unconstitutional

The Gambia’s Supreme Court has declared as ‘unconstitutional’ a decision by the country's lawmakers to award themselves personal loans from the public purse. The loans, which amounted to more than $1m, were meant for both MPs and parliamentary staff. Supporters of the loan said it was intended for them to build houses on plots of land given to them by the executive. The East African reports that the controversial move by the National Assembly to amend the budget last year sparked a major public outcry. The move in November 2020 came less than two years before the end of term of the current legislature, which raised doubts about the ability of MPs to repay their loans. ‘I think this ruling has energised and emboldened civil society to be more proactive, to understand that there are tools that are available for them outside the usual protests,’ said activist Sait Jaw, who championed the case.