Landmark victory: Gambia wins $33.2m international legal battle

The Gambia has won a landmark legal battle after the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) annulled a $33.2 million arbitration award against the country. The case stemmed from the takeover of a shrimp farm during the former regime.

In March 2024, an international tribunal had ordered The Gambia to pay heavy compensation to foreign investors.When Attorney General Dawda A. Jallow reported the decision to Cabinet, President Adama Barrow directed that the Government must resist what he described as an unjust award.

Cabinet unanimously endorsed the move, giving the Attorney General a clear mandate to challenge the ruling by all lawful means. “Acting on this directive, the Attorney General’s Chambers assembled a formidable legal team. Senior Gambian counsel Edi M. O. Faal and Cherie Blair KC of Omnia Strategy co‑led the case, supported by state law officers and expert witness Counsel Kebba Sanyang.”

“Together, they petitioned the ICSID Annulment Committee to overturn the award.On 17 July 2026, the Committee ruled in The Gambia’s favour. It found that the original tribunal had failed to properly explain how Gambian law gave consent to ICSID arbitration—a flaw that struck at the heart of its jurisdiction. The award was annulled in full.”

“The ruling wipes out the damages and interest previously imposed, sparing the Gambian budget from more than $32 million in exposure. It also allows the country to recover around $213,000 in arbitration costs—funds that can now be redirected to health, education, infrastructure, and other national priorities.”

Attorney General Jallow hailed the outcome as proof that with clear political backing and careful legal work, The Gambia can defend its rights even against far larger opponents. He paid tribute to President Barrow’s decisive leadership, to senior counsel Blair and Faal, and to the entire legal team for their dedication throughout the gruelling two‑year process.

“The Government will continue to protect the national interest and public funds while honouring its international obligations,” Jallow affirmed, “but we will always insist on fair and lawful treatment in all disputes.”