Paper short abstract:

This presentation explores the role of security force assistance in the midst of political transition in The Gambia. Despite much focus on reform, there are strong signals of continuity rather than a significant break from the past.

Paper long abstract:

This presentation explores the role of security force assistance in the midst of political transition in The Gambia. After nearly twenty-three years in power, President Jammeh of The Gambia was forced out of office in 2017 through a regional military intervention following his refusal to concede defeat in general elections. The sudden shift from a repressive authoritarian leader to a new government that promised adherence to democratic principles brought a rush of international aid, including offers for security force assistance (SFA). President Barrow has promised a new beginning for The Gambia and security force assistance has fit into the wider narrative of reform. Foreign assistance is seen as a way to help transform the security forces from organisations that were built around loyalty to an autocratic leader into a professional apolitical force that works for the betterment of the country. Yet the research found that the security force assistance aimed at transformation is limited in its scale, while the most rigorous assistance maintains the status quo. Therefore, despite much focus on reform, there are strong signals of continuity rather than a significant break from the past. The research for this presentation involved interviews with key donors and members of the Gambia security forces, a systematic review of Gambian news sources, and analysis of government and donor documents related to plans for security sector reform.