Society of Commonwealth Clerks (SoCATT) Hosts African Clerks in The Gambia

Group Photo © The Gambia National Assembly

By Fatoumata Jaiteh

The Society of Clerks at-the-Table in Commonwealth's (SoCATT) Steering Committee held a two-day meeting in The Gambia, which concluded on 5th February 2025. The gathering brought together clerks across the African region and beyond to exchange insights on strategizing the future of legislative administration in Africa. The meeting served as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, reinforcing the role of clerks in strengthening legislative institutions in the subregion.

The event was chaired by the newly appointed clerk of The Gambia's National Assembly, Khalipha MM Mbye. The motion to appoint Mr. Mbye as Clerk of the National Assembly was tabled by Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, Majority Leader and Member of the National Assembly Authority, during the Second Extra-Ordinary Session of the 2024 Legislative Year on Saturday, 19th October 2024. Mr. Mbye succeeded Mr. Momodou A. Sise, who retired on 19th December 2024, making him one of the youngest clerks in the country's history.

Before his appointment, "Mr. Mbye served as the Deputy Clerk for Legal and Procedural Matters at the National Assembly." In this role as Deputy Clerk, "he was responsible for overseeing and coordinating the effective functioning of the Legal Affairs, Table Office, and Sergeant-at-Arms departments" of the National Assembly.

While delivering his welcoming remarks, Mr. Mbye described the meeting as more than just a platform for sharing challenges. He emphasized that it was an opportunity to shape the future of parliamentary service in Africa through collaboration and innovation. The newly appointed clerk described their role as "navigators in the storm of legislative complexity," adding that clerks are the "silent lifeline for members of parliament." According to Mr Mbye, their job enables legislators to engage in informed debates, which enhances decisions that save millions.

The SoCAAT Africa region chairperson and Clerk of Sierra Leone, Mr. Parang Umar Trawally, also delivered a statement highlighting that the African region is faced with multi-faceted challenges, including the demand for transparency, accountability, and inclusion in governance. He therefore emphasized to his colleagues that "it is incumbent upon us as parliamentary administrators to drive meaningful transformation with our institutions."