The National Assembly on Tuesday took a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s preparedness against threats to human security by considering the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Bill 2025.
During the Committee of the Whole Assembly session, chaired in line with Order 72 of the Standing Orders, legislators examined the bill clause by clause, scrutinizing both its framework and operational provisions.
The session, attended by His Excellency the Vice-President, Muhammad B.S. Jallow, and technical advisors, allowed members to debate proposed amendments and clarify points raised by the joint committees on Environment, Defence and Security, and Environment and Sustainable Development.
One notable amendment revised the bill’s short title to reflect 2025, replacing the previous 2024 reference. Similarly, discussions focused on the definition of “human security pillars” under Clause 2.
While the initial draft included “crime” as one of the pillars, the assembly ultimately agreed to replace it with “safety and security,” alongside governance, human rights, environment, and health.
Members emphasised that this adjustment aligns with regional protocols on human security established under the 1999 agreement among heads of state.
The assembly also considered Clause 5, detailing the functions of the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Center.
A key debate centered on whether the center should be mandated to “disseminate” information after collecting and analyzing data.
Some members raised concerns about public access to sensitive information, arguing that dissemination should be conditional rather than automatic.
After deliberations, it was agreed that the center would disseminate analyzed information as appropriate, ensuring both transparency and operational discretion.
Other clauses, including the establishment of the coordinating center and its objectives, were passed without contention.
The committee highlighted the importance of balancing early warning operations with national security concerns while maintaining public trust in the system.
As the bill advances, lawmakers emphasized its potential to improve national preparedness for emerging threats, enhance coordination across government agencies, and reinforce human security nationwide.
The assembly’s detailed review underscores the commitment of members to ensure that the legislation is both practical and aligned with international best practices.
The bill, now formally referred to as the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Act 2025, will continue through further stages before full enactment.
