After over two decades of restrictive rule under President Yahya Jammeh, respect for political rights and civil liberties has improved under the administration of Adama Barrow, who took office following a surprise electoral victory in 2016. However, his administration has faced criticism for continued corruption, and journalists, civil society groups and others continue to face some pressure. LGBT+ people face severe discrimination, and violence against women remains a serious problem.

• In August, the government released a draft constitution, prompting criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and the country’s bar association, who said the text was developed without adequate public consultation. Among other changes, the draft removed the parliamentary approval process from key presidential appointments, including cabinet members and the chair of the Independent Boundaries Electoral Commission (IBEC). It was also vague on whether language introducing term limits applied to Barrow.
• In July, the National Assembly (the Gambia’s unicameral legislature) voted to reject a bill that would have repealed a 2015 ban on female genital mutilation. Separately, in September, the National Assembly voted to increase the minimum criminal penalty for “homosexual acts” from two years to five years.
• Several developments raised concern about the government’s respect for free association and press freedom. In April, eight members of the civil society organization Gambia Participates were arrested and detained for several hours after organizing a sit-in to protest alleged corruption and mismanagement at the Gambia Ports Authority. In September, the Information Ministry suspended the issuance of new radio licenses, prompting concern among journalists. In October, two journalists were arrested and charged with “false news” over reporting that President Barrow had a plan to appoint a successor to stand in the 2026 presidential election. The arrests drew concern from international media freedom advocates.
• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in December announced that it would establish a court to try crimes committed in Gambia under military dictator Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh lives in exile in Equatorial Guinea, which is not an ECOWAS member.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.