The democratic reform journey of The Gambia continues to gain momentum, reflecting a strong national commitment to strengthening public institutions, enhancing accountability, and promoting inclusive governance. Through sustained dialogue, institutional reform, and citizen engagement, the country has made steady progress toward consolidating democratic gains and reinforcing public trust in governance systems. These efforts are firmly rooted in nationally led priorities and driven by the active participation of Gambian institutions, civil society, and communities across the country.

The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme remain proud partners in this journey, working closely with the Government of The Gambia, independent institutions, civil society organisations, and local authorities. Through the Gambia’s Responsive and Accountable Democratic Transition EU-UNDP GREAT Project, this partnership supports reforms aligned with national development frameworks, contributing to stronger institutions, social cohesion, and sustainable development outcomes.

Inclusive participation lies at the heart of effective governance. Across the country, constituency-level engagements have continued to provide spaces for citizens to interact directly with their elected representatives on constitutional and governance reforms. These dialogues have enabled communities to articulate their priorities, concerns, and expectations, reinforcing participatory approaches to policymaking and strengthening the relationship between citizens and public institutions.

Public outreach has played a critical role in ensuring that information on governance and legal reforms reaches communities nationwide. Community dialogues, mobile outreach initiatives, and collaboration with civil society organisations have helped broaden awareness and understanding of reform processes. These efforts have been reinforced through radio and television programming, along with visible public information materials, supporting informed public discourse and encouraging civic engagement.

At the institutional level, support to the National Assembly has remained a key pillar of governance reform. Professional fellows and volunteer support have strengthened legislative research, communications, and resource mobilisation functions, while targeted capacity development initiatives for Members and staff have contributed to improved institutional effectiveness. Together, these efforts enhance the legislature’s ability to fulfil its mandate of democratic oversight and lawmaking.

Strengthening justice institutions and upholding the rule of law remain central to building public confidence and social stability. Support to the justice sector has focused on improving access to justice, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting transparency. Progress toward operationalising the Anti-Corruption Commission has been reinforced through institutional support and public awareness initiatives delivered through community engagement, social media, and broadcast platforms.

Access to justice for vulnerable groups has also been expanded through legal aid and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Capacity development for legal professionals and dispute resolution practitioners has supported more timely, effective, and accessible case handling, while growing use of mediation and arbitration reflects increasing public confidence in alternative justice mechanisms. In parallel, human rights capacity development has remained a priority, with training initiatives for correctional officers promoting rights-based and gender-sensitive practices within correctional facilities and contributing to improved professional conduct and conditions. 

Local governance continues to play a vital role in translating national reforms into tangible improvements at community level. Across local government authorities, council staff and elected officials have strengthened their capacities in gender-responsive planning, budgeting, and revenue generation. These efforts support improved financial management, accountability, and service delivery, ensuring that local institutions are better equipped to respond to community needs. Decentralisation dialogues conducted across regions have brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The outcomes of these consultations have informed ongoing reviews of decentralisation-related legislation, contributing to efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for effective, inclusive local governance.

Inclusion remains a core consideration across all governance support initiatives. Youth engagement has been fostered through structured dialogues, civic education activities, and decentralisation forums, enabling young people to participate meaningfully in governance discussions and decision-making processes. Women’s participation has remained consistently strong at both national and local levels, reflecting sustained commitment to gender equality and inclusive representation within governance systems.

Through the EU-UNDP GREAT Project, the European Union and UNDP continue to provide substantial support to governance reform initiatives. These investments prioritise institutional capacity development, policy support, infrastructure, and national ownership, with a clear focus on sustaining reform momentum over the long term. Governance reform is an incremental process that thrives on dialogue, coordination, and partnership. The progress achieved thus far reflects the collective efforts of Gambian institutions, civil society, and communities working together toward shared democratic aspirations. The European Union and UNDP reaffirm their commitment to continue accompanying nationally led efforts to strengthen institutions, promote inclusive governance, and support sustainable development in The Gambia.