Gambia Country Report

The Gambia has experienced a period of significant political change since the 22-year-long rule of autocratic strongman Yahya Jammeh ended in 2017. The administration of President Adama Barrow, who took over from Jammeh following a disputed election and a regional military intervention, has pledged to implement sweeping reforms and move away from decades of repression, alleged human rights violations, opaque government and wanton corruption. However, the government has had to contend with powerful vested interests and hardline supporters of the former regime who have attempted to stir up unrest and instability. Barrow’s administration has also struggled to improve the country's weak infrastructure, that has suffered years of neglect, and diversify the country’s struggling tourism-heavy economy.

Crime rates have been on the rise in The Gambia as a slow economy fuels a growing number of thefts, pickpocketing incidents and burglaries. Police prioritize protecting tourist areas but foreign travelers are frequently targeted by criminals due to perceptions of relative wealth and perceived vulnerability.

The potential for conflict following the refusal of long-time leader, Yahya Jammeh, to step-down has largely subsided after his departure into exile and the continued presence of regional security force backing the new government of President Adama Barrow.

Demonstrations are held with some frequency in The Gambia over a range of local and national political, economic, environmental and social issues. Whilst the majority of these gatherings remain peaceful, political demonstrations have been increasing since 2017 amid less aggressive responses from security forces.

Aviation security is an issue in The Gambia due to the questionable reliability and adherence to regulatory standards of domestic and regional carriers.

Overland travel is also hazardous due to poor road conditions, vehicle disrepair as well as erratic and aggressive driving by some local road users.

According to the latest survey in 2013, The Gambia's national electrification rate was assessed at 36 per cent, with 80 per cent of urban areas being connected to the national grid compared to just 2 per cent in rural areas. The Gambia is also prone to frequent blackouts and brownouts, with many companies and hotels relying on power generators to mitigate power outages.

The Internet penetration rate is on the rise but has been hampered by slow speeds and frequent outages.

Rainfall and flooding can be widespread during the June through October rainy season and can disrupt land travel as well as damage building, particularly in low-income districts of urban centers and across rural areas. Due to its geography, The Gambia is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, with an associated increase in impact from extreme flooding. As a result of low government capacity in disaster management, The Gambia is vulnerable to indiscriminate bushfires as well as the negative impact of farming practices, such as increased flood risks and food insecurity.

The main health-related risks for travelers in The Gambia stem from malaria, yellow fever, meningococcal meningitis, and precautions are recommended. Health facilities are limited in number and generally concentrated in Banjul. Most facilities have poorly-trained staff and limited capabilities, with the exception of a handful of private clinics. The availability of pharmaceutical is limited, particularly outside of Banjul, with widespread issues of counterfeit drugs. Strict drug laws are in place, and all medication brought in from overseas must be accompanied by a prescription. Food and water sanitation levels are poor in the Gambia.

The political situation in The Gambia has begun to stabilize after the ECOWAS intervention forced the country’s autocratic leader Yahya Jammeh to step down in early 2017. The administration of President Adama Barrow promised sweeping reforms and democratization, although it has faced an uphill battle against vested interests, former elites and dire economic conditions. While the Barrow administration has pledged to curb corruption, it faces significant challenges due to more than two decades of high-level graft and the opaqueness of government agencies and institutions. Rule of law is expected to improve going forward, but progress is likely to be slow.

President Barrow was re-elected to a second term in office following the country's Dec. 4, 2021 election.