Relationship dossier
The Gambia
United Kingdom
Relationship assessment
Cooperation alongside disagreements over migration and a period of strained relations
The Gambia toward United Kingdom
+10The Gambia withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2013, during a period of strained relations, and rejoined in 2018 after a change of government. The rejoining marked renewed engagement with the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth members.
United Kingdom toward The Gambia
+20The United Kingdom supported The Gambia’s democratic transition after Yahya Jammeh left office. The two governments have also faced disagreement over the return of Gambian nationals from the UK, including UK visa restrictions linked to cooperation on returns.
Overall relationship
+15The relationship has combined renewed political engagement and practical cooperation with disputes over migration and an earlier period of strain under Yahya Jammeh. The Gambia’s return to the Commonwealth in 2018 followed a change in government and signaled improved ties, though the scope and durability of bilateral cooperation are not fully clear.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Relations have included practical cooperation and periods of political strain. The Gambia rejoined the Commonwealth in 2018 after leaving in 2013, and the United Kingdom supported the transition following Yahya Jammeh’s departure. Disagreements over the return of Gambian nationals from the UK have also affected relations.
Areas of tension
- Disagreements over the return of Gambian nationals from the United Kingdom.
- Strained relations during Yahya Jammeh’s rule, including The Gambia’s 2013 withdrawal from the Commonwealth.
Key developments
The Gambia withdrew from the Commonwealth amid strained relations with the United Kingdom and other members.
The Gambia rejoined the Commonwealth after applying to return under President Adama Barrow.
The United Kingdom imposed visa restrictions linked to cooperation on returning Gambian nationals.
Major uncertainties
- The extent and implementation of current bilateral cooperation are unclear.
- The status and practical effects of arrangements concerning the return of Gambian nationals are unclear.