Here’s a list of The Gambia’s Presidents from its independence to the present, arranged by their years in office:
| Name | Years in Office |
|---|---|
| Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara | 1970-1994 |
| Yahya Jammeh | 1994-2017 |
| Adama Barrow | 2017-present |
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Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara: The First President
Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, born on May 16, 1924, in Barajally, The Gambia, was the first president of the country. He studied veterinary science in the UK before returning to The Gambia.
Jawara was involved in politics as a leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was Prime Minister from 1962 until 1970, when The Gambia became a republic.
Achievements:
- Independence Leader: Jawara played a key role in leading The Gambia to independence from British rule in 1965.
- Development: His time in office saw improvements in infrastructure and education, helping to set up the country for future progress.
Challenges:
- Criticism: Near the end of his presidency, Jawara faced criticism for being overly authoritative and struggling to manage political opposition effectively.
Yahya Jammeh
Yahya Jammeh, born on May 25, 1965, in The Gambia, was a military officer before becoming president. He took over in a coup in 1994. Jammeh was a lieutenant in the Gambian Army before leading a coup that ousted the then-president.
Achievements:
- Infrastructure Projects: His time in office saw various development projects, including roads and hospitals.
- Healthcare Initiatives: He invested in health programs aimed at improving public health.
Challenges:
- Human Rights Issues: Jammeh’s presidency was marred by allegations of human rights abuses and suppression of political dissent.
- Economic Struggles: His policies led to economic instability and strained international relations.
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Adama Barrow: The Current President
Adama Barrow, born on February 19, 1965, in Banjul, The Gambia, is the current president. Before entering politics, Barrow worked in real estate and business.
Barrow was involved in business and was a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) before becoming president.
Achievements:
- Democratic Transition: Barrow is known for leading a peaceful transition of power after Jammeh’s departure.
- Reforms: His administration has focused on democratic reforms and improving governance.
Challenges:
- Economic Issues: Barrow’s tenure has faced economic challenges and the need for substantial reforms to improve living standards.
Muhammad B.S. Jallow: The Current Vice President
As of now, the Vice President of The Gambia is Muhammad B.S. Jallow, who was appointed on 24 February 2023 following the death of his predecessor. Muhammad B.S. Jallow plays a key role in assisting the president and managing various government functions.