Curb your enthusiasm: there are limits to the Gambia effect in Africa
Regional bodies got a reluctant Gambian president to make way for his elected successor, but don’t assume a trend to end dictatorships, writes Frank Mattheis
As new Gambian President Adama Barrow settles in, regional organisations are being lauded for their key role in ensuring a democratic and peaceful transition. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and the African Union (AU), in coalition with external actors such as the EU, made sure his predecessor Yahya Jammeh stepped down after losing the election. But caution is warranted in assuming this heralds regional organisations fostering a continental trend of ending dictatorships. Ecowas and the AU were keen to condemn Jammeh’s refusal to relinquish power after losing the presidential elections in December 2016. They even threatened military action to remove him. The reasons for such assertiveness, which is unusual given the many undemocratic moves in Africa, are manifold. Regional organisations on the continent are still predominantly governed by summits of heads of state. Jammeh was not able to count on key allies that would shield him from the military actions of his...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.