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This article tells you about the heads of state of The Gambia, a country in West Africa. It covers the leaders from when The Gambia became independent in 1965 until today.

From 1965 to 1970, The Gambia was a monarchy. This meant its head of state was Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom and other countries in the Commonwealth realms. The Queen had a special representative in The Gambia called a Governor-General. In 1970, The Gambia changed its constitution and became a republic. This meant the Queen and the Governor-General were replaced by an executive President.

Monarchy in The Gambia (1965–1970)

During this time, the person who would become Queen or King of The Gambia was decided in the same way as the succession to the British throne.

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time as Ruler Royal Family Prime Minister(s)
Started Reign Ended Reign How Long
1
Queen Elizabeth II official portrait for 1959 tour (retouched) (3x4 close cropped)
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II
(1926–2022)
18 February 1965 24 April 1970 5 years, 65 days Windsor Jawara

Governor-General's Role

The Governor-General was the Queen's representative in The Gambia. They carried out most of the Queen's duties. The Governor-General was chosen for an unlimited time, serving as long as the Queen wished.

When The Gambia gained independence, its Governor-General was chosen only by the Gambian government, not by the British government. The first Governor-General, Sir John Paul, was a temporary choice. He was replaced by Sir Farimang Mamadi Singateh. If the Governor-General's position was empty, the Chief Justice would temporarily take over.

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time in Office Monarch Prime Minister(s)
Took Office Left Office Time in Office
1
No image
Sir John Paul
Sir John Paul
(1916–2004)
18 February 1965 9 February 1966 356 days Elizabeth II Jawara
2
No image
Sir Farimang Singateh
Sir Farimang Singateh
(1912–1977)
9 February 1966 24 April 1970 4 years, 74 days

Republic of The Gambia (1970–Present)

After 1970, The Gambia became a republic, and its leader was called the President.

Political Parties

     People's Progressive Party (PPP)      Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC)      National People's Party (NPP)

Other Groups

     Military      Independent

First Republic (1970–1994)

The first constitution of the Republic of The Gambia was created in 1970. Under this constitution, the President became the head of state, replacing the monarch. The President was chosen by the National Assembly and served for five years. If the President's position became empty, the Vice-President would temporarily take over.

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Elected Time in Office Political Party
Took Office Left Office Time in Office
1
Dawda Jawara (1979)
Sir Dawda Jawara
Sir Dawda Jawara
(1924–2019)
1972
1977
1982
1987
1992
24 April 1970 22 July 1994
(Removed by a coup)
24 years, 89 days PPP

Military Rule (1994–1996)

In 1994, Colonel Yahya Jammeh led a military takeover. He removed President Jawara and his government. All political parties and the Parliament were then closed down.

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Time in Office Political Party
Took Office Left Office Time in Office
2
Yahya Jammeh (3x4 cropped)
Colonel Yahya Jammeh
Colonel Yahya Jammeh
(born 1965)
Leader of the AFPRC
22 July 1994 6 November 1996 2 years, 107 days Military

Second Republic (1996–Present)

Under The Gambia's current constitution, the President is the head of state. The President is chosen by the people in an election and serves for five years. If the President's position becomes empty, the Vice-President will temporarily take over.

No. Portrait Name
(Born–Died)
Elected Time in Office Political Party
Took Office Left Office Time in Office
(2)
Yahya Jammeh (3x4 cropped)
Yahya Jammeh
Yahya Jammeh
(born 1965)
1996
2001
2006
2011
6 November 1996 21 January 2017 20 years, 76 days APRC
3
Adama Barrow - 2018 (39774084330) (cropped)
Adama Barrow
Adama Barrow
(born 1965)
2016
2021
19 January 2017 Still in Office 8 years, 192 days Coalition 2016
(until 2019)
NPP

Timeline of Leaders Since 1970

Adama Barrow Yahya Jammeh Dawda Jawara

Official Flags

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Jefes de Estado de Gambia para niños

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