On this International Day of Democracy, The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice joins the global community in celebrating the promise of democratic governance: government of the people, by the people, for the people. We acknowledge that democracy is more than periodic elections. It requires the protection of civil liberties, the separation of powers, meaningful participation, and accountability.
As we mark this day in The Gambia, we express deep concern that most of the democratic gains made since 2016 are under threat. As we release this statement the Gambia Police Force has invaded and occupied the National Audit Office to execute an unlawful order to remove the Auditor General Modou Ceesay illegally and forcefully from his office following his unconstitutional removal by Pres. Barrow. This is a direct stab in the heart of democracy that EFSCRJ vehemently decries and demands the full protection of the integrity and independence of the NAO and all independent institutions.
Therefore, we call on the government, civil society, political parties, and the international community to take urgent and practical steps to preserve, strengthen, and institutionalize those gains before they are lost. The Gambia is undergoing severe democratic backsliding which must be halted and reversed immediately.
Gambians endured 22 years of a brutal dictatorship. In 2016, the people overturned that regime with a promise from the political leaders to usher in system change that will lay the foundations of a robust democratic governance. Yet today constitutional reforms have been stalled, checks and balances are being undermined while restrictions on civic participation and political competition face serious challenges.
The dramatic increase in nomination deposits for candidates in parliamentary, presidential, municipal, and local office threatens to exclude ordinary citizens, youth, women, and less-resourced political actors from meaningful participation. The disenfranchisement of Gambians in the diaspora makes a mockery of democracy in the Gambia. We note with concern the weakening of the civic space with severe restrictions on peaceful assembly.
While the TRRC has made recommendations concerning past abuses, progress on implementing those recommendations has been slow or inconsistent. This undermines public trust and raises fears that impunity may again become normalized. Many public institutions continue to lack sufficient independence, resources, and capacity to deliver on their mandate. Executive influence over law enforcement, appointments, and public administration are not only prevalent but also eroding the regard for the rule of law thereby manifesting widespread and unpunished abuse of power, executive overreach, and corruption in the public sector. Beyond these legal and political challenges, many Gambians continue to suffer severe social and economic deprivation, insecurity and inequality. These unfortunate realities highlight the fact that democracy is under severe threat in the Gambia.
To reverse this unfortunate trend and safeguard and strengthen democracy, EFSCR calls for the:
- Immediate resurrection of the 2020 draft constitution through a people-centred and a transparent and legitimate process towards a referendum.
- Immediate restoration and strengthening of the integrity and independence public institutions.
- Removal of all barriers to political participation including enfranchising the diaspora.
- Full acceleration of the implementation of TRRC recommendations.
- Full enhancement of transparency, oversight, and accountability mechanisms.
- Support inclusive socio-economic environment for equal and full enjoyment of rights.
Call to Action
On this Day, and given the challenges confronting democracy in the Gambia,
• We call on President Barrow and his government to recommit to democratic reform with clear and consistent political will, transparency, and urgency.
• We call on the National Assembly to put country and democracy above partisan interests in order to pass needed constitutional and legal reforms.
• We call on civil society, opposition parties, youth, and media to continue vigilantly engaging and holding power to account.
• We call on international partners to support Gambian-led democratic reform by assisting with capacity-building, monitoring, and helping ensure reform process integrity.
Democracy is never “done.” It is always a work in progress. For The Gambia, the road taken since 2016 marked a hopeful turning point. But progress is fragile. If democratic gains are to endure, they must be institutionalized, defended, and deepened. On this International Day of Democracy, let us recommit to the values of freedom, justice, equality, and participation, and insist on reforms that guarantee that the people, not power, hold the promise of the future.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
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