Gambia: Corruption

(asked on 18th April 2019) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the current efficiency of anti-corruption measures in The Gambia.


Answered by
Harriett Baldwin Portrait
Harriett Baldwin
This question was answered on 29th April 2019

Corruption undermines the rule of law and democracy and damages trust in government, the efficient use of public resources and national security. It corrodes the fabric of society and creates barriers to doing business. The UK is committed to tackling corruption both at home and overseas, as set out in the UK anti-corruption strategy 2017-2022. Corruption in The Gambia was rife under the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh. A recent report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Project (OCCRP) highlighted that potentially up to US$1billion of state assets may have been stolen by Jammeh. The Gambia’s Commission of Inquiry, investigating assets stolen by Jammeh, has also recently submitted its report to the Government. We urge the Government of The Gambia to act on the findings of the reports, ensuring due process is followed. Corruption remains a concern in The Gambia, however the new Government has shown a welcome commitment to trying to stamp it out. A draft Anti-Corruption Bill will include proposals for the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Commission and is awaiting Cabinet approval. The Bill will also seek to provide effective measures for the eradication, suppression and prevention of corruption and corrupt practices in both private and public life in The Gambia. The UK would welcome the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Commission. ​

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