The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice welcomes the release of the Gambia Corruption Index (GCI) 2025, the first comprehensive, citizen-driven assessment of corruption perceptions and experiences in The Gambia. We commend Gambia Participates and partners for undertaking this vital initiative to generate credible evidence that shines a light on the state of corruption in our country.
The findings of the GCI paint a deeply troubling picture of widespread corruption, weak accountability, and eroding public trust. According to the report:
• 90% of Gambians believe corruption is widespread in the country.
• 81% say corruption has increased over the past 12 months.
• Key public institutions such as the Police, Health Services, Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Local Government Authorities (LGAs), and NAWEC were identified as the most corrupt.
• Only 8% of corruption cases are reported, largely due to fear of retaliation, lack of trust in institutions, and lack of knowledge on where and how to report.
• Alarmingly, 75% of respondents believe that the government lacks the political will or action to fight corruption effectively.
These findings confirm what citizens and civil society have long raised: corruption is systemic and entrenched, undermining democracy, eroding public service delivery, and deepening inequality. Corruption diverts resources meant for health, education, and infrastructure, leaving citizens, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable communities, to bear the greatest burden.
Our Call to Action
EFSCRJ strongly believes that fighting corruption is central to building a just, democratic, and prosperous Gambia. In light of the GCI findings, we call for urgent and decisive actions:
- Establish an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission
o The government must immediately operationalize a truly independent Anti-Corruption Commission with legal and financial autonomy to investigate and prosecute corruption without fear or favour. - Strengthen Oversight Institutions
o Provide adequate resources and independence to the National Audit Office, Ombudsman, and Parliamentary oversight committees to ensure accountability across all sectors. - Protect Whistleblowers and Citizens Who Report Corruption
o Enact and enforce whistleblower protection laws to safeguard those who expose corruption from retaliation.
o Establish secure reporting mechanisms, including anonymous hotlines and digital platforms accessible to all Gambians. - Invest in Civic Education and Awareness
o Launch nationwide campaigns to raise public awareness about corruption reporting channels and the importance of citizen participation in governance.
o Ensure that marginalized communities, women, and youth are included in anti-corruption efforts. - End Political Interference and Impunity
o Political leaders must lead by example, ensuring that corruption cases involving powerful individuals are investigated and prosecuted transparently and impartially. - Leverage Technology for Transparency
- Implement digital solutions such as e-procurement, biometric payroll systems, and online open data platforms to prevent corruption in service delivery and public finance management.
Our Commitment
EFSCRJ reaffirms its commitment to working alongside citizens, civil society organizations, the media, and development partners to combat corruption at every level. We believe that a corruption-free Gambia is possible, but it requires bold leadership, institutional reforms, and active citizen engagement.
We urge the government to treat the findings of the Gambia Corruption Index 2025 not as criticism but as a wake-up call and an opportunity to restore public trust, strengthen democracy, and improve service delivery for all Gambians.
Corruption is not inevitable; it is a violation of fundamental rights that undermines our nation’s progress. The release of the GCI 2025 must serve as a catalyst for transformative change. We owe it to the people of The Gambia to create a society where justice prevails, resources are equitably distributed, and public trust is restored. Let us unite in this fight for a corruption-free Gambia.
The time for action is now. Gambians deserve a state that is accountable, transparent, and committed to justice.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
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