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Gambia
Overview
Country Overview
The Gambia is situated on the Atlantic coast at the bulge of Africa. It is a thin strip of mainly low plateau, which decreases in height as it nears the Atlantic coast. The plain is broken in a few places by the river and its tributaries. Mangrove swamps, park-like savannah and unspoiled beaches all feature in The Gambia’s landscape.
Banjul is the only sizeable town in the country and is the seat of government. The area around MacCarthy Square has a colonial atmosphere, with pleasant 19th-century architecture.
The River Gambia dominates the country and is the major method of transportation, providing opportunities for fishing, boating and sailing. Particularly well worth visiting is the Abuko Nature Reserve, which has crocodiles, monkeys, birds and antelopes.
Recommended dishes include benachin (a mixture of spiced meat and rice with tomato puree and vegetables) and chere (steamed millet flour balls).
Nightlife can be low key, although there are nightclubs in Banjul, Farjara, Bakau and Serrekunda. The Roots Homecoming Festival takes place annually in June/July. There are also organised performances of Gambian ballet, drumming and fire-eating displays.
General Information
Area: 11,295 sq km (4361 sq miles).
Population: 1,411,205 (2001).
Population Density: 124.9 per sq km.
Capital: Banjul. Population: 50,000 (1995).
GEOGRAPHY: The Gambia is situated on the Atlantic coast at the bulge of Africa. The country consists of a thin ribbon of land, at no point wider than 50km (30 miles), running east–west on both banks of the River Gambia. The Gambia is bounded to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and on all other sides by Senegal. It is also the smallest and westernmost African nation. The country mainly consists of a low plateau, which decreases in height as it nears the Atlantic coast. The plain is broken in a few places by low flat-topped hills and by the river and its tributaries. The area extending from MacCarthy Island, where Georgetown is located, to the eastern end of the country is enclosed by low rocky hills. The coast and river banks are backed mainly by mangrove swamps, while the lower part of the river has steep red ironstone banks which are covered with tropical forest and bamboo. Away from the river, the landscape consists of wooded, park-like savannah, with large areas covered by a variety of trees such as mahogany, rosewood, oil palm and rubber. On the coast, the river meets the Atlantic with impressive sand cliffs and 50km (30 miles) of broad, unspoiled beaches, palm-fringed and strewn with shells.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1965. Head of State and Government: President Yayah Jammeh since 1994.
Language: The official language is English. Local languages are Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola and Serahule.
Religion: Over 80 per cent Muslim, with the remainder holding either Christian or Animist beliefs.
Time: GMT.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are either round three-pin or square three-pin (15 or 13 amps).
Telephone
IDD is available. Country code: 220. Outgoing international code: 00. The country has an automatic telephone system.
Mobile telephone
GSM 900. Main operators include Gambia Telecommunications Cellular Company Ltd (website: www.gamtel.gm) and Africell.
Fax
There are nine GAMTEL offices in Banjul offering this service, some on a 24-hour basis.
Internet
Main ISPs include GAMTEL (website: www.gamtel.gm) and Quantumnet (website: www.qanet.gm). E-mail can be accessed in Internet cafes in major towns.
Telegram
Services are run by GAMTEL, Cameron Street, Banjul.
Post
Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1700, Sat 0800-1100.
Press
Newspapers are English-language and include The Gambia Weekly, The Nation, The Gambia Daily, The Gambian Times and The Gambia Onward.
BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change.
BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice):
Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov):
Passport/Visa
| | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? | | British | Yes | No | Yes | | Australian | Yes | No | Yes | | Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes | | USA | Yes | Yes | Yes | | OtherEU | Yes | 1 | Yes | | Japanese | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least three months after date of return required by all.
VISAS: Required by all except the following for a maximum stay of three months:
(a) countries referred to in the chart above (except 1. nationals of Austria, France, Portugal and Spain who do need a visa);
(b) nationals of Bahamas, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iceland, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon*, Liberia*, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, San Marino, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sweden, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda and Zambia.
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within two hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Note: *(a) These nationals do not require a visa, but do require clearance from the Embassy/High Commission. (b) Nationals of some countries always require a transit visa; enquire with airline for details. (c) All visitors must hold return or onward tickets, all documents for their next destination and sufficient funds for their stay.
Types of visa and cost: Tourist and Business: £20 (single-entry); £40 (multiple-entry).
Validity: Single-entry visas are valid for six months. Multiple-entry visas are valid for 12 months. Extensions are possible and should be applied for at the Immigration Office in The Gambia.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.
Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Additional proof of identity such as birth certificate. (c) Two application forms. (d) Two passport-size photos. (e) Fee, payable in cash, cheque or postal order only. (f) Proof of financial means to cover cost of stay. (g) Stamped, self-addressed envelope (by registered post) or £3.50 for postal applications. (h) For business trips, a letter of invitation from the company in The Gambia or a letter from the applicant’s employer explaining the purpose of the visit.
Working days required: 48 hours in person. At least one week by post.
Temporary residence: Enquiries should be referred to the Gambian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate (see Contact Addresses section).
Money
Currency: Gambian Dalasi (D) = 100 bututs. Notes are in denominations of D100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of D1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 bututs.
Currency exchange: There is a bank/bureau de change (Meridien Bank) at the airport operating during scheduled flights. The capital, Banjul, also has a number of banks where foreign currencies can be exchanged. Some hotels and tourist resorts also offer foreign exchange facilities, but tend to charge high commissions.
Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express and Visa are accepted in most hotels if arranged at the beginning of the stay. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Currency restrictions: The thriving black market for hard currency is officially discouraged, and visitors must complete a currency declaration form on arrival. Currency from Algeria, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Tunisia is neither accepted nor exchanged. There are no restrictions on the import of local or other foreign currencies. Export of local or other foreign currencies is up to the amount imported. CFA Francs are accepted. Local currency may be difficult to exchange outside the country but there are no restrictions on its import and export.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Dalasi against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May ’02 | Aug ’02 | Nov ’02 | Feb ’03 | | £1.00= | 26.97 | 30.46 | 36.29 | 39.01 | | $1.00= | 18.51 | 20.03 | 22.95 | 24.50 |
Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 0800-1300, Fri 0800-1100. Some banks open on Saturday.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into The Gambia without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (or mixed to the same total weight); 750ml of spirits; 1500ml of beer or wine; 284ml of perfume or toilet water; goods up to a value of D1000 (members of families travelling together may aggregate their individual allowances provided no single article exceeds D1000 in value).
Public Holidays
Dec 6-8 2002 Koriteh (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Feb 12 Tabaski (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 18 Independence Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 14 Milad al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). Jul 22 Revolution Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Nov 26-28 Koriteh (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 2 Tabaski (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 18 Independence Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 2 Milad al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). Jul 22 Revolution Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Nov 14-16 Koriteh (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas.
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Koriteh, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there are restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Koriteh itself. Koriteh and Tabaski may last anything from two to ten days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix.
Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | Yes | 1 | | Cholera | Yes | 2 | | Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A | | Malaria | 4 | N/A |
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age arriving from endemic or infected areas. Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.
2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to The Gambia. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are necessary. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix for more information.
3: Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is often advised.
4: Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists all year throughout the country. Chloroquine resistance has been reported.
Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: Diarrhoeal diseases, including giardiasis, and typhoid fevers are common. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A and E are widespread. Hepatitis B is endemic. Epidemics of meningococcal disease may occur throughout tropical Africa, particularly in the savannah areas and during the dry season. Immunisation against diphtheria is sometimes recommended.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care: Visitors are advised to bring good supplies of sunscreen, insect repellent and indigestion/diarrhoea medicines; all of these may be needed and they can prove expensive or, in some cases, impossible to buy in The Gambia. The Government provides both therapeutic and preventative medical and health services, and plays a dominant role in health services. Health insurance is advised.
Travel - International
AIR: The main airlines to serve The Gambia are Ghana Airways, Air Senegal and Nigeria Airways.
Approximate flight times: From Banjul to London is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes (direct).
International airports: Banjul (BJL) (Yundum International) is 20km (11 miles) southwest of the city. Taxis are available to the city (travel time – approximately 30 minutes). During 1989, NASA upgraded airport facilities to enable it to serve as an emergency space-shuttle landing site. Airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change, bars, restaurants, duty-free shops, post office and car hire (Hertz).
Departure tax: D150.
Tourist tax: As of 1 November 2002, a tourist tax has been introduced for all tourists arriving at Banjul International Airport, no matter from which country. Travellers can pay in Euros (€10), Sterling (£5) or US Dollars (US$10).
RIVER: Ferries operate services between Banjul and Dakar or Ziguinchor (Senegal). This tends to be a more efficient form of travel than overland.
ROAD: Taxis can be hired between Dakar (Senegal) and Barra.
Travel - Internal
RIVER: There are no longer any scheduled services along the River Gambia, although private charters are available.
ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. There are 2700km (1675 miles) of roads in the country, about 32 per cent of which are paved. Roads in and around Banjul are mostly bituminised, but unsealed roads often become impassable in the rainy season. Road construction programmes include the new link from Banjul to Serrekunda and the proposed link from Lamin Koto to Passimas. The Trans-Gambia Highway and Kombo coastal roads are being upgraded. Bus: Local buses operate between Banjul and a number of towns and villages throughout the country. The services are fairly reliable, but buses tend to be overcrowded. Taxis: These are available outside main hotels. City taxis are usually painted yellow and tourist taxis painted green; the latter can be hired to go anywhere in the country. It is advisable to settle taxi fares in advance. Car hire: This is possible; check with the car hire company for details before travelling. Documentation: An International Driving Permit will be accepted for a period of three months. A temporary licence is available from the local authorities on presentation of a valid UK licence.
Accommodation
By African standards, The Gambia has a fairly developed tourist industry, with many hotels geared primarily to package tours. During the tourist season (November to May), accommodation is often booked up and confirmation of advance booking is advised. Most of the hotels are self-contained complexes offering a wealth of tourist facilities including swimming pools, bars, restaurants, shops, sporting facilities and spacious gardens. Bedrooms will not always be air conditioned. The number of hotels has increased greatly in recent years and this is expected to continue; today there are over 24 hotels with 6000 beds, both in Banjul and along the coast. Around 75 per cent of establishments belong to the Gambia Hotel Association, which can be contacted c/o PO Box 2637, The Bungalow Beach Hotel, Serrekunda, Kotu, The Gambia (tel: 465 288; fax: 466 180; e-mail: bbhotel@qanet.gm). For further information on different types of accommodation, contact The Gambia National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).
Introduction
Although The Gambia is Africa’s smallest nation, it offers landscapes and attractions of great diversity, ranging from broad, sandy beaches on the Atlantic to lush tropical forests, swamps, marshes and large areas of wooded savannah.
Banjul & The Coast
The River Gambia is several miles wide at its mouth near Cape St Mary. It narrows to 5km (3 miles) at Banjul (known as Bathurst in pre-independence days), which is situated on St Mary’s Island and has a deep and sheltered harbour.
BANJUL: The only sizeable town in the country, Banjul is also the seat of government. There is an interesting National Museum. The area around MacCarthy Square has a colonial atmosphere, with pleasant 19th-century architecture. Nearby is the craft market. Souvenirs and local handicrafts can also be bought at various bengdulala (meaning a ‘meeting place’ in the Mandinka language); shopping areas consisting of African-style stalls, usually built near hotels.
Resorts: The Atlantic coast to the south of Banjul boasts some of the finest beaches in all Africa with no less than 15 hotels in the Banjul, Kombo and St Mary area. They are served by the international airport at Yundum, a few miles from the capital.
The River Gambia
This is the dominant feature of the country and is the major method of irrigation, as well as providing opportunities for fishing, boating and sailing. It is possible to take boat trips up the river. Most remarkable is the abundance and variety of birdlife along the shores.
WILDLIFE PARKS: The Abuko Nature Reserve, which has crocodiles, monkeys, birds and antelopes, is worth a visit. Details of cruises can be found on hotel noticeboards. The Kiang West National Park also has a rich birdlife as well as other animal species; tourist facilities in the park are well developed. Banjul is the starting point for coach and river trips to all parts of the country and coastline. The whole river and the numerous creeks (known locally as bolongs) which join it, are fascinating to the bird lover and the student of nature.
THE RIVERMOUTH: Fort Bullen at Barra Point was built by the British 200 years ago to cover the approaches to Banjul and the river, succeeding James Island Fortress (destroyed by the French) as the main point of defence in the colony. It can be reached by direct ferry from the capital. Oyster Creek is the centre of an area of creeks and waterways which can be visited from Banjul.
UPRIVER FROM BANJUL: Albreda was the main French trading post before they withdrew from The Gambia. Nearby is the village of Juffure, the alleged home of the ancestors of black American writer Alex Haley, author of ‘Roots’. However, the authenticity of his account has been questioned over the years. Visitors who want to see more of the countryside may cross by ferry from Banjul to Barra and travel by road to Juffure and Albreda (the journey lasts about 50 minutes), and then by canoe to James Island in the calm waters of the River Gambia. The popular tourist destination of Tendaba is 160km (100 miles) from Banjul by river or road. Further upriver, the fascinating circles of standing stones around Wassau have now been identified as burial grounds more than 1200 years old. Georgetown was the ‘second city’ of colonial days, and is still the administrative and trading centre of the region. Basse Santa Su is the major trading centre for the upper reaches of the Gambia River. Handsome trading houses built at the turn of the century can be seen there. By the riverside at Perai Tenda can be found a multitude of abandoned shops formerly operated by European, Gambian and Lebanese merchants in the days when up-river commerce offered substantial profits for private traders.
Sport & Activities
Watersports: Atlantic resorts cater for windsurfing and surfing. Sailing is possible at The Gambia Sailing Club at Banjul, which welcomes visitors. A notable event is the race to Dog Island. Additional regattas are organised on special occasions. Both sea and river fishing is good all year, particularly line-fishing from the beaches. Several sport-fishing boats are available for sea-angling trips.
Spectator sports: The Banjul Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course at Fajara near the Atlantic coast. International meetings are organised every year. Wrestling is the traditional national sport; contests can be watched in most towns and villages. Bouts (a traditional sport) can be seen on most weekends in Banjul and its suburbs, Serekunda and Bakau. Inter-club cricket is played in league matches organised by the Gambia Cricket Association, which also organises international matches. A league football championship is organised by the Gambia Football Association.
Swimming: The estuary of the River Gambia on the Atlantic coast provides miles of magnificent beaches with warm seas throughout the year. Caution is necessary, owing to strong currents, but the beach at Cape St Mary is safe for both children and adults.
Birdwatching: This is very popular and the country has one of the largest concentrations of bird species per square mile in the world.
Social Profile
Food & Drink: Western food is available at most tourist hotels and restaurants, and some also serve Gambian food. Recommended dishes include benachin (also called ‘Jollof Rice’, a mixture of spiced meat and rice with tomato puree and vegetables), base nyebe (rich stew of chicken or beef with green beans and other vegetables), chere (steamed millet flour balls), domodah (meat stewed in groundnut puree and served with rice), plasas (meat and smoked fish cooked in palm oil with green vegetables) served with fu-fu or mashed cassava chura-gertek (a sweet porridge consisting of pounded groundnuts, rice and milk). Local fruits like mangoes, bananas, grapefruit, papayas and oranges are delicious and are available in the markets.
A good selection of spirits, beers and wines is available. Jul Brew is the local speciality beer. Local fresh fruit juice is delicious.
Nightlife: In general the nightlife is subdued, although there are nightclubs in Banjul, Farjara, Bakau and Serrekunda. There are organised performances of Gambian ballet, drumming and dancing, and also fire-eating displays.
Shopping: Souvenirs can be bought in Banjul at the craft market across from MacCarthy Square and at bengdulalu (see Resorts & Excursions section). One of the most popular purchases is the Gambishirt, made of printed and embroidered cotton cloth, mostly in bright colours. Some of the souvenirs are gaudy, others exceedingly attractive. Woodcarvings, beaded belts, silver and gold jewellery and ladies handbags are also popular items. Other West African handicrafts made of straw, beads, leather, cloth or metal can be purchased here. Shopping hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1200 and 1430-1800, Fri-Sat 0900-1300.
Special Events: There are big celebrations at Christmas as well as during the Muslim festivals of Tabaski and Koriteh. Dance or acrobatic street shows can be seen at any time of the year. For further details, enquire at The Gambia National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).
Social Conventions: Handshaking is a common form of greeting; Nanga def (‘How are you?’) is the traditional greeting. Gambians are extremely friendly and welcoming and visitors should not be afraid to accept their hospitality. Many Gambians are Muslim and their religious customs and beliefs should be respected by guests; however, most understand the English customs and language. Visitors should remember that the right hand only should be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects. Casual wear is suitable although beachwear should only be worn on the beach or at the poolside. Only the most exclusive dining rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner. Despite the effects of tourism, traditional culture in music, dancing and craftsmanship still flourishes in the many villages on both banks of the River Gambia. Tipping: Ten per cent service charge is sometimes included in hotel and restaurant bills.
Business Profile
Economy: The economy of The Gambia is basically agricultural, with groundnuts (in the form of nuts, oil and cattle cake) accounting for 50 per cent of total exports. Cotton and citrus fruits are also cultivated for export. Forestry and fishing are also important. Rice, millet and maize are the main staples, but The Gambia must import large quantities of rice along with various other foodstuffs and petroleum products. There are no viable mineral deposits although surveys have located some oil deposits. The small industrial sector is dominated by agro-industrial activities; drinks and construction materials are produced for the domestic market. After a disastrous spell following the 1994 coup, tourism is once again a viable generator of foreign exchange, and has performed relatively well since then. Principal markets for exports are Belgium, Luxembourg, Japan and Guinea. Government economic strategy aims to position The Gambia as a regional hub for trade, based on an important re-export trade (mostly of Senegalese goods) as well as finance and telecommunications. Substantial infrastructural progress has been made (such as the construction of schools and hospitals, a new airport terminal and modernised port facilities). International aid remains essential to the health of The Gambia’s economy.
Business: Businessmen wear jackets and ties for business meetings. A personal approach is important in Gambian business circles. Punctuality is appreciated and it is advisable to take business cards, although their use is not widespread. Office hours: Mon-Thurs 0800-1600, Fri 0800-1230.
Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 59 Buckle Street, Banjul (tel: 227 765 or 227 042; fax: 229 671; e-mail: gcci@qanet.gm; website: www.gambiachamber.gm).
Climate
The Gambia is generally recognised to have the most agreeable climate in West Africa. The weather is subtropical with distinct dry and rainy seasons. From mid November to mid May, coastal areas are dry, while the rainy season lasts from June to October. Inland the cool season is shorter and daytime temperatures are very high between March and June. Sunny periods occur on most days even during the rainy season.
Required clothing: Lightweight or tropical for most of the year with rainwear for the rainy season.
History and Government
History: The River Gambia was known to the Carthaginians in the fifth century BC, and subsequently the area became part of several successive African empires. For a time, it was part of the Ghana empire (centred in modern-day Mauritania) and then the Songhais who brought Islam to the region. Then, in the 13th century, the river basin came under the control of Mandingo and Susu people based in what is now Mali. Mandingo influence waned with the decline of the Mali empire at the end of the 16th century, just as the first contacts with the British were taking place at the mouth of the River Gambia. A variety of rival African powers, including the Fula from northern Nigeria, followed by the Marabouts and the Soninkas, vied for influence during much of the next 200 years. During the colonial period, several European powers contested for ownership of the river and the rich trade which it carried.
Britain eventually gained control of the mouth and lower reaches of the river, thereby establishing an enclave in the surrounding French territories of Senegal and a useful base from which to launch attacks on French trading settlements. The Gambia was Britain’s first and last colony, being officially colonised in 1765 (although until 1843 it was united with Sierra Leone) and gaining independence 200 years later in February 1965.
The country became a republic in April 1970 as a member of the Commonwealth. Sir Dawda Jawara became the country’s president, and was re-elected to the post in 1972 and 1977. Despite the evident tranquillity, the Government was, by 1980, becoming seriously worried by disaffection amongst the military. Jawara sought the help of his larger neighbour. However, nothing was resolved by the time of the attempted coup in July 1981. Although it failed, it had a profound effect on Gambian politics at the time. Immediately after the restoration of the legitimate government, which took place with the help of Senegalese (and a small number of British) troops, a confederation of Senegal and The Gambia was announced under the leadership of President Diouf of Senegal, with President Jawara as his deputy. The intention was to harmonise the two countries’ political, economic and defence policies as a preparatory step towards full unification. The project was aborted in 1989, although very close links between the two countries have remained since the divorce.
President Jawara was confirmed for a further term following elections held in April 1992. However, none of the issues that gave rise to the 1981 coup attempt had been addressed. These included poor conditions for the military, and the unequal distribution of the benefits of the country’s growing tourist economy. In July 1994, while Jawara was visiting the UK, a movement of young army officers (possibly inspired by those who had recently taken over in Sierra Leone) took power in a bloodless military coup led by Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh. Jawara remained in exile (he returned to the country in June 2002). Western governments, like most Gambians, were taken by surprise. However, the EU, Commonwealth and individual governments soon put pressure on the new regime to effect a speedy return to civilian democratic government by blocking short-term aid and financial support. But over the next two years, Jammeh moved methodically to establish the new regime’s legitimacy, holding a referendum for a new draft constitution (which was accepted) and relaxing restrictions on party political activity. Then, in September 1996, he officially resigned from the army to contest the upcoming presidential election with the newly-founded Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) as his political vehicle. The election at the end of September duly brought victory for Jammeh and, in January 1997, the APRC won an overwhelming majority of the seats in the poll for a new National Assembly. Those international economic and political links damaged by the coup have since gradually been restored. Jammeh has dropped Jawara’s rigid pro-Western stance and has looked further afield for new donors and trading partners: these now include Libya and Taiwan, as well as Cuba, Iran and Nigeria. New agreements were also signed with neighbouring Senegal. The most recent presidential and legislative polls repeated the results of five years earlier, leaving Jammeh and the APRC firmly in control of The Gambia.
Government: The 1970 constitution was revoked following the July 1994 military coup. The Constitution of the Second Republic of The Gambia, which was approved in a national referendum on 8 August 1996, came into effect on 16 January 1997. Under its terms, the Head of State is the President of the Republic, who is directly elected by universal adult suffrage and holds executive authority. Legislative authority is vested in the National Assembly, which serves a five-year term and comprises 49 members directly elected and four members nominated by the President. The President also appoints government members, who are responsible both to the Head of State and to the National Assembly.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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