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World
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> Gambia
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History and Government
History: The River Gambia was known to the Carthaginians in the 5th century BC, and subsequently the area became part of several successive African empires. 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, a useful base from which to launch attacks on French trading settlements. The Gambia was Britain's first and last colony, being 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 and it is now part 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. Gambia has also been involved in repeated efforts to find a political settlement in strife-torn Liberia. President Jawara was confirmed for a further term at elections held in April 1992. However, none of the issues that gave rise to the 1981 coup attempt had yet been addressed. These included poor conditions for the military, and a perceived unfair 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 and declared the country under the control of an Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC). Western governments, like most Gambians, seemed simply taken by surprise; however, they acted swiftly to put pressure on the new regime to effect a speedy return to civilian democratic government: aid and financial support were blocked in the short term as the AFPRC suspended the Constitution and banned all political activity. These measures were spearheaded by Lt. Yahya Jammeh, who officially pronounced himself Head of State, presiding over a mixed civilian and military Government. The European Union, the Commonwealth and numerous individual countries who had previously been donors to the Gambia, pushed for a return to civilian rule. Jammeh replied with a constitutional referendum on 8 August 1996; the draft constitution was duly endorsed by 70% of voters. Party political activity was re-authorised, but the main political parties from the old regime were prohibited from contesting the forthcoming elections. This had the intentional effect of excluding anyone with appreciable political experience from involvement in the political process. In September 1996, Jammeh officially resigned from the army, in order to contest the upcoming presidential election, with the support of the newly founded Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC). The election at the end of September duly brought victory for Jammeh, with 55.77% of the total votes cast. His nearest rival, with 35.84%, was Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party (UDP). Voter participation was high, although some doubts were expressed by observers as to the overall credibility of the election results. The dissolution of the AFPRC was announced, and Jammeh inaugurated as President on 18 October 1996. In January 1997, the APRC won an overwhelming majority of the seats in the poll for a new National Assembly. The international economic and political links which had been injured by the coup were partially restored by the completion of the transition process (brought forward from its original completion date of 1998, and Jammeh was welcomed to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Edinburgh in late October 1997. Of more concern to those used to Jawara's rigid pro-Western stance was the fact that Gambia has also looked further afield for new donors and trading partners: these included Libya and Taiwan, as well as Cuba, Iran and Nigeria. New agreements were also signed with neighbouring Senegal.
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. Legislative authority is vested in the National Assembly, comprising 45 members elected by direct suffrage 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.
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 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 Festial takes place annually in June/July. There are also organised performances of Gambian ballet, drumming and fire-eating displays.
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