NAMs Spend All Day Considering 18 Clauses on National Security Council Bill
Vice President in mauve and Chairperson of the Committee © Askanwi
By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
National Assembly members of the Sixth Legislature failed to complete the consideration stage of 26 clauses in the National Security Council (NSC) Bill 2024 today, 18th March 2025. Speaker of the House, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, told Parliamentarians at the end of the session, “I thought we would have dealt with [the NSC Bill 2024] within one or two hours at most, but unfortunately, it has taken the whole day.”
According to Parliament’s revised agenda dated 10th March 2025, three separate agenda points were to be addressed today, including the oral Ministerial Statement on the Implementation and Monitoring of the Annual Budget by the finance minister, as well as the consideration stage of two bills: the National Population Bill 2024 and the National Security Council Bill 2024, both presented by the Vice President.
However, only the consideration stage of the NSC Bill 2024 was addressed besides the usual approval of minutes of the previous meeting.
Hon Amadou Camara of Nianija © Askanwi
Speaking to Hon. Amadou Camara of Nianija, co-chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee reviewing the National Population Bill 2024, he revealed that the bill was withdrawn at the level of the Assembly Business Committee (ABC) because more time was needed to conclude consultations. A deferral was requested and granted by the Assembly Business Committee.
According to Hon. Camara, the NSC Bill 2024 is “a very sensitive issue. It’s about national security, and it’s the first of its kind. We’ve never had a security council bill before. Of course, there is a Security Council established by the Constitution in Section 78, and now what we are doing here is giving effect to that section.”
“It’s a very important bill, but of course, we need to take our time and do the needful. It’s a very small bill in terms of volume, but in terms of substance, it’s huge,” said the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) representative for Nianija. The consideration ended at the 18th Clause and will be rescheduled for continuation.
Hon Muhammed Kanteh of Busumbala © Askanwi
Our reporter also spoke to a member of the Standing Committee on Defence and Security who reviewed the NSC 2024 Bill. Independent member, Hon. Muhammed Kanteh of Busumbala explained some of the reasons for the delay. He noted, “It appears that there are some controversial clauses in the bill, which committee members agreed on, but the Plenary had issues with.”
Some of the clauses that caused delays included Clause 8, regarding the title of the Special Assistant, who was initially recommended to be called Chief of Staff. However, since there is already an existing Chief of Staff position under the Office of the President, this could lead to confusion. He stated that resolving this issue took almost two hours. It was eventually agreed to amend the title to Chief Executive Officer, with Directors under them.
Hon Members of the Sixth Legislature © Askanwi
When asked about the Finance Minister’s absence for his oral statement on the implementation of the annual budget, Hon. Kanteh stated, “I blame the Assembly Business Committee. If I make thorough consultations with the Ministry and schedule the Minister to appear on this specific day, there should be no circumstances in which I allow the Minister to be absent. That day should be respected as a day to give us feedback on budgetary allocations and expenditures.”
As the National Assembly continues to deliberate on the NSC Bill 2024, the delays highlight the complexities and sensitivities surrounding national security legislation. While lawmakers stress the importance of getting the bill right, the prolonged debate has led to the rescheduling of the NSC Bill 2024. With key agenda items still pending, all eyes will be on Parliament in the coming days to see how they navigate these legislative hurdles and whether consensus can be reached on the bill’s contentious clauses.
