The latest report by the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice offers both hope and warning about the current state of human rights in The Gambia. Since the political transition of 2017, the country has made undeniable progress in restoring democratic freedoms after years of authoritarian rule under former president Yahya Jammeh. Citizens today enjoy greater freedom of expression, stronger media participation and a more active civil society. These are important achievements that should not be overlooked.
However, the report also makes clear that democracy cannot thrive without accountability, strong institutions and equal justice under the law. While political freedoms have expanded, corruption, weak law enforcement and governance failures continue to threaten the country’s democratic future.
One of the most troubling concerns raised in the report is the persistence of corruption and impunity. Gambians continue to witness investigations into major scandals, including the disposal of Jammeh’s assets and the Russian fuel controversy, yet few cases result in prosecutions or meaningful punishment. This weakens public trust in government institutions and creates the impression that accountability is selective. A democratic government must demonstrate that no individual or institution is above the law.
The report also highlights growing concerns about arbitrary arrests, police brutality and restrictions on protests. Such actions contradict the democratic principles the country claims to uphold. Law enforcement agencies are expected to protect citizens’ rights, not intimidate critics or silence dissenting voices. Any proposed legislation, including the Cybercrime Bill, must be carefully reviewed to ensure it does not limit civic space or undermine digital freedoms.
Equally important are the social and economic challenges facing ordinary Gambians. Access to quality healthcare, education and social protection remains inadequate, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities. Democracy should improve the daily lives of citizens, not simply guarantee political participation.
The continued delays in constitutional reform and transitional justice implementation are also disappointing. These reforms were meant to strengthen democratic governance and prevent a return to past abuses. Delaying them only increases public frustration and weakens confidence in the reform process.
The Gambia has made progress, but progress alone is not enough. The country now stands at a critical stage where leaders must turn promises into action. Strengthening accountability, protecting civil liberties and ensuring justice for all citizens are necessary steps toward securing a stable and lasting democracy. Without genuine reform, the democratic gains achieved since 2017 could slowly begin to fade.
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