The Gambia, a small West African nation once known for its authoritarian grip under former President Yahya Jammeh, has seen some progress in democratic freedoms since President Adama Barrow took office in 2017.
However, despite this progress, corruption continues to undermine the country’s political reforms, raising serious concerns about accountability and governance.
According to a 2024 report by Freedom House, Barrow’s administration has faced significant criticism for its inability to address widespread graft, even as it attempts to secure its democratic credentials.
Corruption in Focus
‘In February 2023, the government launched a commission of inquiry to investigate the misuse of local government funds. Although this move was presented as part of a broader anti-corruption initiative, critics alleged that the timing was politically motivated, as it coincided with local elections in May. Despite these initiatives, corruption remains pervasive across multiple levels of government,’ the report published recently noted.
In a significant case earlier in the year, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources, Dr. Bamba Banja, was sentenced to two years on corruption charges, marking a rare conviction of a senior official.
Yet, the report highlighted that such cases are seen as the exception rather than the norm in The Gambia, where allegations of bribery and misuse of public resources remain frequent.
“After years of delay, the National Assembly finally passed an anti-corruption bill in December 2023, which had been under consideration since 2019. While this legislative achievement was hailed as a step forward, many remain skeptical about whether the government will implement the law with the necessary political will and resources.”
According to Freedom House, anti-corruption bodies like the Financial Intelligence Unit have historically struggled with weak enforcement capabilities, further limiting their effectiveness.
Stifling Press Freedom
The report says, ‘Despite the political gains under Barrow, the Gambian media still faces significant challenges. According to Freedom House, while the media environment is “much improved” compared to the Jammeh era, key laws restricting press freedom remain in place. Journalists have been subject to arbitrary suspensions and physical assaults from both state and non-state actors. In a high-profile case from September 2023, Bakary Mankajang, an online news outlet owner, was charged with witness interference for reporting on the killing of two police officers. Earlier in the year, President Barrow publicly suggested that certain community radio stations should be regulated for allowing guests to “attack” his government—a statement followed by government inquiries into three stations.’
“Freedom of expression online is also under pressure. While social media has become a platform for political discourse, laws like the colonial-era sedition law remain on the books and could be used to prosecute individuals for criticizing the government online.”
A Broader Culture of Corruption
The report further highlights that corruption remains a systemic issue in The Gambia’s governance, with allegations permeating all levels of government.
“Public procurement processes lack transparency, and there are widespread accusations of bribery, particularly in sectors like land ownership. The anti-corruption mechanisms in place have been largely ineffective, a fact that has frustrated Gambians seeking meaningful reform.”
“Public officials are required to declare their assets to the ombudsman, but the lack of public access to these declarations raises suspicion about hidden wealth and conflicts of interest. Licensing processes, especially in industries that depend on natural resources, are similarly opaque, fueling further concerns about accountability and government integrity.”
Impact on Business and Society
“The business environment in The Gambia is marred by corruption, particularly in sectors related to land and natural resources. Weak enforcement of property rights, especially in rural areas, has led to conflicts and slowed economic development. Women, already facing social and legal barriers, are disproportionately affected by these practices, particularly in access to land and business opportunities.”
The reports say The passage of the 2023 anti-corruption bill is a positive development, but its success will hinge on whether the Barrow government can enforce it consistently and transparently.
“The anti-corruption bodies, long hampered by weak enforcement, will need greater autonomy and resources to make meaningful progress.
A Test of Will
The Freedom House report further said that while the Gambia has made strides in restoring basic political rights, corruption and press freedom remain central challenges that the Barrow government must address if it hopes to consolidate democratic gains.
As Freedom House’s report highlights, the future of Gambian democracy depends on whether Barrow’s administration can break the cycle of corruption and foster an environment where both media and civic voices can operate freely and without fear of repression.
For now, the Gambia remains a country in transition—one where democratic aspirations exist alongside deep-seated governance challenges. Whether Barrow’s government can truly rise to meet these challenges will determine the country’s long-term democratic trajectory.
