Dawda Jawara

2.1. Birth and Family Background

Dawda Jawara was born in 1924 in the village of Barajally Tenda in the Central River Region of The Gambia, approximately 150 mile from the capital, Banjul (then known as Bathurst). His parents were Almammi Jawara and Mamma Fatty. He was the last of Mamma Fatty's six sons and a younger brother to Na Ceesay, Basaddi, and Sheriffo Jawara. His father, Almammi, was a prosperous trader with multiple wives, who commuted between Barajally Tenda and his trading post in Wally Kunda. The Jawara family was of aristocratic lineage, with ancestors having served as members of the Gbara of the Mali Empire.

2.2. Early Education

From a young age, Jawara attended local Arabic schools to memorize the Quran, a common rite of passage for many Gambian children. Formal primary schools were not available in Barajally Tenda; the nearest was in Georgetown (now Janjanbureh), the provincial capital, but this boarding school was reserved for the sons of chiefs. Around 1933, his formal education was sponsored by Ebrima Youma Jallow, a friend of his father and a trader in Wally Kunda. Dawda enrolled at Mohammedan primary school, where he was taught by I. M. Garba-Jahumpa. After graduating, Jawara earned a scholarship to an all-boys high school, excelling in science and mathematics. Upon matriculation in 1945, he worked as a nurse at Victoria Hospital in Bathurst (now Banjul) until 1947. Due to limited career and educational opportunities in colonial Gambia, he spent a year studying science at the Prince of Wales College and School (popularly known as Achimota College) in Achimota, Accra, in the then British Gold Coast (now Ghana). While at Achimota College, Jawara showed little interest in politics, even as African colonies began to push for independence. Although he met Ghana's founding father, Kwame Nkrumah, the encounter did not significantly impact him politically at the time.

2.3. Higher Education and Political Awakening

After attending Achimota College, Jawara received a scholarship to Glasgow University in Scotland to study veterinary medicine. This was a rare opportunity, as colonial education typically trained Africans for lower-level clerical tasks, and scholarships in the sciences were uncommon for Gambians. It was in Glasgow in the late 1940s that Jawara's interest in politics began to develop. In 1948, he joined the African Students Association and was later elected its secretary-general and then president. He further honed his political interests by joining the Student Labour Party Organization, a "Forward Group," and became active in the labor politics of the era. While never a "leftist," Jawara immersed himself in the socialist politics and ideology of the Labour Party. During his time at Glasgow, he met Cheddi Jagan, who would later become Premier of British Guiana (now Guyana). Jawara described this period as "very interesting politically," marking a time of rising Pan-Africanism and personal political growth. He completed his studies in 1953 and later returned to Scotland in 1957 to earn a further diploma in tropical veterinary medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

3.1. Veterinary Career and Marriage

When Jawara returned to The Gambia in 1953 after completing his studies as a veterinary surgeon, he initially served as a veterinary officer. In 1955, he married Augusta Mahoney, the daughter of Sir John Mahoney, a prominent member of the Aku people in Bathurst. The Aku, a small but educated group, were descendants of freed slaves who settled in The Gambia and came to dominate the social, political, and economic life of the colony. Some opponents claimed Jawara's marriage was a pragmatic decision to marry into a well-connected Anglican family, though it was considered unusual at the time.

As a veterinary officer, Jawara traveled extensively throughout The Gambia for months, vaccinating cattle. This work allowed him to establish valuable social contacts and relationships with the relatively affluent cattle owners in the protectorate. This group, along with district chiefs and village heads, would later form the core of his initial political support. At the time, British colonial policy divided The Gambia into two sections: the colony (including Bathurst and the Kombo St. Mary sub-regions), where adults were franchised, and the protectorate, where they were not. Political activity and representation in the Legislative Council were largely limited to the colony.

3.2. Formation and Leadership of the People's Progressive Party (PPP)

Upon his return, politics in the colony were dominated by an urban elite from Bathurst and the Kombo St. Mary areas. In 1959, at a meeting in Basse, a major commercial town near the Gambia River, the leadership of the People's Progressive Society decided to change its name to challenge these urban-based parties and their leaders. This led to the formation of the Protectorate People's Party. The same year, a delegation including Sanjally Bojang (a wealthy patron and founding member of the new party), Bokarr Fofanah, and Madiba Janneh, visited Jawara in Abuko to inform him of his nomination as the party's secretary. Jawara resigned his position as chief veterinary officer to contest the 1960 election.

The Protectorate People's Party was subsequently renamed the People's Progressive Party (PPP) to make it more inclusive, countering the perception that it was primarily a Mandinka-based party. Over time, the PPP and Jawara would surpass the urban-based parties and their leaders. This political shift was termed a "Green Revolution" by Arnold Hughes, signifying the emergence of a rural elite challenging and ultimately defeating an urban-based political petty-bourgeoisie. Jawara's ascent to the party's leadership was largely uncontested, as he was one of the few university graduates from the protectorate, with Dr. Lamin Marena from Kudang being the only other potential candidate.

4.1. Prime Minister and Independence

In 1962, Jawara became Prime Minister, a position that cemented the PPP's and his own dominance over The Gambia's political landscape. His rise to power after the 1962 elections coincided with the gradual withdrawal of the colonial administration. Self-government was granted in 1963, and Jawara was appointed Prime Minister that same year. The Gambia achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on 18 February 1965, marking a peaceful transition from colonial rule. During this period, Elizabeth II remained the head of state as Queen of the Gambia.

With a small civil service, primarily staffed by the Aku and urban Wollofs, Jawara and the PPP embarked on the task of nation-building and economic development to support both farmers and urban dwellers. High expectations for immediate improvements in living conditions were prevalent, especially in rural areas, partly fueled by the promises of some political leaders. However, a degree of disappointment later set in as leaders found it challenging to deliver on all their pledges. During the self-government period (1962-1965), Jawara made promising overtures to neighboring Senegal. In November 1962, he requested the United Nations (UN) to appoint experts to assess a potential future union between Senegal and The Gambia, a proposal endorsed by UN Secretary-General U Thant. The British government offered "friendly encouragement" to this initiative. By March 1964, following a visit from Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor, intentions to coordinate the economic programs of The Gambia and Senegal were announced, with a particular focus on agriculture.

4.2. First President and State Development

In 1970, The Gambia transitioned to a republic, and Jawara was elected as its first President on 24 April of that year. His long presidency, which lasted until 1994, focused on several key policies and initiatives aimed at national stability and growth.

Under Jawara's direction, the government introduced the policy of 'Gambianisation' in the 1970s, which expanded the state's role in the economy and led to a 75% increase in total government employment between 1975 and 1980. Agricultural development, particularly groundnut (peanut) farming, remained the backbone of The Gambia's economy during his presidency. Recognizing the importance of trade, Jawara's government worked to improve the country's trade relations and expand its export base, especially for agricultural products. Significant investment was also made in infrastructure development, including road networks, energy, and telecommunications, which were crucial for promoting trade and expanding market access, especially for rural populations. The promotion of tourism also became a key focus, with The Gambia being marketed as a travel destination, particularly for European tourists, as a vital source of foreign currency and jobs.

Jawara was re-elected multiple times during his presidency, reflecting his sustained political support. His electoral performance included:

4.3. Challenges to Rule

Jawara's long rule was not without significant challenges, including a violent coup attempt, a complex confederation with Senegal, and persistent economic and social issues.

5.1. Deposition and Exile

In December 1991, Jawara announced his intention not to seek re-election in the 1992 Gambian general election, opting to retire after 30 years of leading his country. However, his announcement caused panic, leading him to consent to stand for re-election again, which he won with 56% of the vote. Despite this, the question of his retirement continued to loom over The Gambia's political future, and dissent mounted.

On 22 July 1994, a group of soldiers led by Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh stormed the capital, Banjul. The coup was successful, and Jawara was deposed. Unlike the 1981 attempt, this coup was largely considered "bloodless." Jawara escaped unharmed, being taken to Senegal by an American warship that was in the area when the coup began. Jawara had hoped his work would create an economically prosperous society based on democracy, unity, and tolerance for personal differences. However, the new self-appointed five-man ruling council immediately dissolved the constitution and imposed a nationwide curfew, at least on paper, until democracy could be reinstated. Jawara subsequently lived in exile until 2002.

5.2. Return and Later Life

Jawara returned to The Gambia in 2002, living in retirement in the town of Fajara. Upon his return, he was forbidden from participating in politics for the remainder of his life, but he continued to engage in international activities. In 2007, he traveled to Nigeria after being selected to head a West African team from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to assess Nigeria's preparedness for its April 2007 presidential election.

On 3 February 2017, the newly elected Gambian President Adama Barrow visited Jawara at his home, where Jawara pledged his support to Barrow's government. Sir Dawda was the last living Gambian who had been conferred a knighthood (in the 1966 New Year Honours) under the monarchy of The Gambia. He resided in Fajara until his death.

6.1. Achievements and Impact

Jawara's rule is often credited with establishing and maintaining a relatively stable multi-party democracy in The Gambia for nearly three decades, a remarkable feat in a region often plagued by political instability and military takeovers. His leadership ensured a peaceful transition from colonial rule to independence in 1965. He consciously avoided the authoritarian and punitive backlashes common in other African states following coup attempts, instead pursuing reconciliation and ensuring fair trials for detainees after the 1981 coup. This approach, along with an impartial judiciary, garnered significant international goodwill.

Jawara's skillful political leadership and manipulation of patronage resources, combined with the cultivation of affective ties and a shrewd balancing of factions within the PPP, allowed him to overcome initial vulnerabilities, including his low caste status. He gradually asserted his authority over the party without resorting to coercion; politically inspired "disappearances" or harassment of opponents were not features of PPP rule. His enthusiasm for political accommodation helped weaken the influence of the PPP's original members and prevented his political isolation, incorporating new sources of support from all ethnic groups. His popular support was crucial in easing pressure on scarce patronage resources.

Economically, his government focused on agricultural development, particularly groundnut farming, and promoted trade and export. The development of infrastructure, including road networks, energy, and telecommunications, aimed to support economic growth and improve access for rural populations. Jawara also actively promoted tourism, recognizing its potential as a source of foreign exchange and employment.

6.2. Criticism and Controversies

Despite his achievements, Jawara's presidency faced significant criticism, particularly in its later years. While observers initially viewed corruption in The Gambia as less prevalent than in other African states, post-coup revelations and inquiries indicated that it was a significant issue that contributed to the PPP's survival by facilitating elite accumulation within a patronage network. This created mutually beneficial relationships between PPP politicians, senior civil servants, and Gambian businessmen.

However, in the longer term, corruption undermined the regime. The 1981 coup attempt leader, Kukoi Samba Sanyang, cited "corruption and the squandering of public funds" as a primary motive, reflecting growing public awareness of the problem. Jawara's leniency towards ministers and civil servants accused of corruption in the late 1970s was widely resented. The collapse of The Gambia Commercial Development Bank due to uncollected loans, and revelations of fraud within The Gambia Cooperative Union and Customs, further highlighted the issue. A group of parastatal heads and big businessmen, dubbed the "Banjul Mafia," were seen as culprits responsible for public sector corruption, manipulating state power for personal gain.

By 1992, The Gambia was among the poorest countries, with high rates of poverty, illiteracy, and low access to basic services, despite economic reforms. The structural adjustment programs, while aiming for recovery, led to government fragmentation and privatization, which, combined with diminished resources, challenged the PPP's credibility and its ability to deliver benefits to the majority of society. Critics argued that Jawara may have underestimated the real risk a new army would pose and might have been slow to address corruption adequately. In response to accusations of inaction, Jawara stated his belief in the rule of law and democracy, noting that a Presidential Commission was established to investigate corruption at the Cooperative Union, and action was being taken before the 1994 coup.

9.1. National

• 

• Grand Master and Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic of The Gambia

9.2. Foreign

• Mali:

  

• Mali: Grand Cross of the National Order of Mali
• Netherlands:

  

• Netherlands: Commander of the Order of the Golden Ark
• Portugal:

  

• Portugal: Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (1993)
• South Korea:

  

• South Korea: Grand Order of Mugunghwa (1984)
• United Kingdom:

  

• United Kingdom: Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG), which conferred the title of Sir.

9.3. Depiction on Gambian currency

Sir Dawda's portrait was depicted on various banknotes and coins of the Gambian dalasi from 1971 to 1994, serving as a prominent recognition of his contributions and legacy.