As the world observes International Anti-Corruption Day, the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice joins Gambians at home and abroad to grieve the devastating cost of corruption in our country. For six decades, corruption has remained the most pervasive and entrenched governance failure in The Gambia. Beyond the misappropriation of public funds and the plunder of natural resources, corruption is reflected in misconduct by public officials, abuse of power, disregard for the law, and the persistent lack of accessible and quality public services and opportunities.
Since independence, corruption has tragically defined the conduct of every government. The evidence is painfully visible in the widespread poverty, deprivation, inequality, and missed opportunities that continue to undermine the dignity and security of our people. These realities fuel rising crime, drug abuse, prostitution, and irregular migration—commonly known as the Backway—as desperate citizens seek better lives elsewhere.
Every day, Gambians confront the lethal consequences of corruption. The high rates of maternal and infant mortality, the death of nearly 100 children from contaminated malaria syrups, the hundreds of young people lost at sea, the poor yet expensive ferry services, unreliable utilities, failing education and health systems, and the deterioration of public infrastructure all point to a governance culture that has normalized impunity and neglect. These are not accidents but are direct manifestations of corruption.
Despite countless investigations and reports from the National Audit Office, parliamentary committees, presidential commissions, police inquiries, investigative journalists, and both local and international civil society organizations, accountability remains rare. Even with the Access to Information Act in force, most public institutions fail to proactively disclose information or respond to requests, in clear violation of the law. The Gambia therefore continues to operate as an opaque state where secrecy prevails, while corrupt practices are encouraged, rewarded, and protected by inaction.
While EFSCRJ welcomes the enactment of the Anti-Corruption Act and the approval of commissioners by the National Assembly, we demand full transparency in the recruitment process. The public has a right to know the full list of applicants, those shortlisted, and those nominated to ensure that the Anti-Corruption Commission is credible, independent, and free from political influence.
On this International Anti-Corruption Day, we remind the National Assembly of its paramount constitutional duty to conduct effective oversight. Lawmakers must ensure that government institutions operate transparently, efficiently, and accountably, and that public resources are used judiciously to provide citizens with quality public goods and services.
We further call on civil society organizations, the media, political parties, religious and traditional leaders, and all citizens to elevate the fight against corruption to the highest national priority. Corruption is not merely a governance problem but also a national security threat. It has cost The Gambia billions in resources, denied generations their rightful opportunities, and weakened the moral and institutional fabric of the state and society, respectively.
As we have consistently stated, The Gambia is not a poor country. It is endowed with abundant natural wealth and supported by substantial public revenues from taxes, loans, and grants. Properly managed, these resources could have delivered high levels of socioeconomic development decades ago. Instead, progress remains elusive because corruption has been allowed to flourish unchecked, nurtured by weak governance, a lack of transparency, and the failure of accountability mechanisms.
On this day of global reflection, EFSCRJ reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promote transparency, defend human rights, and hold all duty bearers accountable. We stand with the Gambian people in demanding a future where corruption is no longer tolerated, and where integrity, justice, and good governance define the Republic.
The fight against corruption is the fight for our lives, our rights, and our nation’s future.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
