The President of the Gambia Bar Association (GBA), Neneh Cham, has defended the association’s decision to challenge the appointment of the country’s new Chief Justice, insisting the legal action is aimed solely at protecting the rule of law and should not be viewed through a political lens. “This was not about him, the point is the law must be respected there are no exceptions. Responding to suggestions that the lawsuit is politically motivated, Cham firmly rejected the claim, saying the GBA has remained independent throughout its existence. Cham argued that remaining silent over what the association believes is non compliance with the Constitution would undermine its credibility and its mandate to defend the rule of law. “The GBA will remain steadfast in carrying out our mandate, the public should see this as the exercise of democracy and the rule of law, not politics.”