Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
UNDERSTAND THE GAMBIA
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The Gambia Today
After decades in power, Yahya Jammeh's leadership style has become increasingly author-
itarian. Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders and other human rights organ-
isations have denounced what they say is a climate of fear felt by opposition voices and
journalists. Jammeh also claims to have found cures for HIV/AIDS and asthma, which he
administers in weekly TV shows. A 2009 televised declaration in which he threatened hu-
man rights activists with death heightened international concern.
In late 2011, The Gambia's presidential elections, in which Jammeh won another five-
year term, were deemed corrupt by most of the international community and labelled 'not
conducive for the conduct of free, fair and transparent polls' by the Economic Community
of West African States (Ecowas).
In August 2012, Gambia again attracted international condemnation when Jammeh an-
nounced all death-row convicts would be executed - thought to be 40 or 45 people - by
September 2012. After nine prisoners were killed by firing squad, Jammeh bowed to for-
eign pressure and halted the executions indefinitely.
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History
Ancient stone circles and burial mounds indicate that this part of West Africa has been in-
habited for at least 1500 years. The Empire of Ghana (5th to 11th centuries) extended its in-
fluence over the region, and by the 13th century the area had been absorbed into the Em-
pire of Mali. By 1456 the first Portuguese navigators landed on James Island, turning it into
a strategic trading point.
Built in 1651 by Baltic Germans, the James Island fort was claimed by the British in
1661 but changed hands several times. It was an important collection point for slaves until
the abolition of slavery in 1807. New forts were built at Barra and Bathurst (now Banjul),
to enforce compliance with the Abolition Act.
