The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that government officials broke the law when they forced their way into Kanifing Municipal Council offices. Officials tried to reinstall Sainabou Martin Sonko as CEO despite her administrative leave. Justice Cherno Jallow stated that the Minister for Lands and the police chief violated constitutional rights. The court said these actions went against KMC's legal right to manage itself.
The case began in February 2023, when KMC sued three government entities. The court found that sending armed officers to help Sonko take over was illegal. It also declared unlawful the forced transfer of documents and accounts to Sonko. KMC has the legal authority to handle its internal affairs, including staff relationships. The judgment clarified that local governments operate with strong independence under the constitution.
The ruling also addressed interference with official mail meant for the Local Government Service Commission. The permanent secretary had no right to stop this correspondence, according to the court. Attorney Yassin Senghore represented KMC throughout the case. The decision protects municipal governments from outside meddling in their operations.
The case began in February 2023, when KMC sued three government entities. The court found that sending armed officers to help Sonko take over was illegal. It also declared unlawful the forced transfer of documents and accounts to Sonko. KMC has the legal authority to handle its internal affairs, including staff relationships. The judgment clarified that local governments operate with strong independence under the constitution.
The ruling also addressed interference with official mail meant for the Local Government Service Commission. The permanent secretary had no right to stop this correspondence, according to the court. Attorney Yassin Senghore represented KMC throughout the case. The decision protects municipal governments from outside meddling in their operations.
