The Gambia
Republic of The Gambia
Population
2.7M
GDP
$2.3B
Capital
Banjul
Government
Unitary presidential republic
At a Glance
Human Development
0.5
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
4.8
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, a narrow strip of land along the Gambia River entirely surrounded by Senegal. Its democratic transition in 2017, when longtime dictator Yahya Jammeh was forced out by ECOWAS military intervention after refusing to accept election defeat, became a landmark case for regional enforcement of democratic norms.
Under President Adama Barrow, The Gambia has pursued transitional justice, including a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. Notably, The Gambia brought a landmark case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice for genocide against the Rohingya, raising its international profile significantly.
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As The Gambia, punch above your weight on international justice and human rights. Your ICJ case against Myanmar gives you unique credibility -- use it to advocate for accountability, the Responsibility to Protect, and strengthening international courts.
Ally closely with Senegal (your most important bilateral partner) and the broader ECOWAS bloc. In the OIC, champion Muslim minority rights. Highlight your democratic transition as a model for peaceful transfer of power. On development, emphasize the challenges of least developed countries and advocate for climate adaptation funding for vulnerable coastal states.
Foreign Policy
The Gambia's foreign policy under Barrow has been oriented toward reintegration into the international community after Jammeh's isolation. The country rejoined the Commonwealth and the ICC, reversed Jammeh's break with Taiwan, and strengthened ties with the EU, the US, and Senegal.
Banjul's ICJ case against Myanmar on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has positioned The Gambia as a surprising champion of international justice and human rights, despite its small size.