According to a recent survey by the Pan-African, nonpartisan research network Afrobarometer, 77% of Gambians think the nation is going in the “wrong direction.” Compared to 2018, when only 29% of respondents voiced the same fear, this represents a notable 48 percentage point increase.
With the goal of elevating the voices of African citizens in policy and decision-making processes, Afrobarometer is committed to delivering accurate statistics about African experiences while assessing democracy, governance, and quality of life. The most recent data was released a week after the organization’s similar study revealed that 68% of Gambians had thought about leaving the nation, a 12-point increase from 56% in 2018.
According to the last poll, the main drivers of this thinking were financial difficulties and the desire for improved employment possibilities. 1,200 adult Gambians were interviewed in the most recent study, which was carried out in April and May 2024 by the Afrobarometer team in The Gambia under the direction of the Centre for Research and Policy Development.
The majority of Gambians (77%) believe that the nation is moving in “the wrong direction,” a 48-percentage-point rise from 2018 (29%). Just 19% of Gambians say that the country’s economic situation is “fairly good” or “very good,” a 39-point decline from 2018 (58%). The most commonly mentioned issue that Gambians want the government to address is health, which is followed by rising living expenses, crime, and security. According to the research, approval ratings for measures of the government’s economic success have drastically decreased when compared to 2018 and 2021.
Increased freedom of speech (80%), increased youth participation in politics (69%), increased women’s political involvement (67%), greater respect for human rights (65%), and improved law and order preservation (55%), among other areas of improvement under President Barrow’s leadership, were also highlighted in the survey.
Nonetheless, over two-thirds (68%) think that the nation’s security and tranquilly have gotten worse. According to the research, most Gambians are unhappy with how the president (62%), members of Parliament (65%), and local government council members (60%) have carried out their duties during the previous 12 months.
The survey also revealed that the top three issues that citizens want the government to solve are crime and security, health, and growing living expenses.
People complain that the nation’s economic status has been worse since 2018, which undoubtedly necessitates prompt government action. According to the survey, “majorities report improvements during President Barrow’s tenure with regard to freedom of speech, youth and women’s political participation, maintenance of law and order, and respect for human rights.”
