The Gambia: Security Assistance
Other Releases
Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
Washington, DC
October 20, 2008
Background: The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections, including most recently in late 2006. (Source: CIA—The World Factbook)
Direct Commercial Sales: (Source: 2007 Section 655 Report)
In FY 2007, the Department of State authorized exports of defense articles or services to The Gambia valued at $2,500,000.
Security Assistance Funding: (Source: 2009 Congressional Budget Justifications for Foreign Operations)
($ in thousands)
| Account |
FY 2007 |
FY2007 |
FY 2008 |
FY 2008 |
FY2009 |
|
|
Actual |
Supp |
Estimate |
Supp |
Request |
| IMET |
103 |
-- |
115 |
-- |
120 |
In FY 2007, the Department of State authorized exports of defense articles or services to The Gambia valued at $2,500,000.
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