Rising insecurity a setback for The Gambia's transition

After two decades of dictatorship, The Gambia embraced democracy with President Adama Barrow’s 2016 election victory. But as is often the case in transitions from autocracy to democracy, stability remains elusive and economic growth insufficient to alleviate structural problems like high unemployment. Barrow was re-elected in December 2021, and a crucial test for his second term will be to curb rising insecurity and crime. Under Yahya Jammeh’s rule, communal clashes and crimes such as armed robbery, arson and banditry were uncommon in The Gambia. There was little political room for internal and external conflicts. Jammeh was notorious for ‘setting an example’ with anyone believed to be threatening the country’s stability, especially those who challenged the security forces.

Related Keywords

Gambia , Banjul , Brefet , Upper River , Berending , North Bank , Equatorial Guinea , Casamance , Senegal General , Senegal , Gunjur , Foni Kansala , Western , Bwiam , Gambians , Senegalese , Adama Barrow , Yahya Jammeh , International Federation Of Red Cross , Movement Of Democratic Forces Casamance , Economic Community Of West African States Mission , Gambia Democratic Congress , Freedom House , President Adama Barrow , Economic Community , West African States Mission , Strategic Studies , Democratic Forces , International Federation , Red Cross , Red Crescent , West Coast , Operation Zero , ,