The arrival of ECOMIG was not merely a military presence. It was a clear demonstration of ECOWAS commitment to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights of ordinary citizens. The mission reassured Gambians that they were not alone in their struggle for freedom and justice, and that their brothers and sisters across West Africa stood with them in solidarity. This partnership gave the Gambian people the space to breathe, to vote freely, to express themselves without fear, and to embark on long overdue reforms that were impossible under authoritarian rule.
In the years that followed, ECOMIG has worked hand in hand with Gambian security forces to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights. Soldiers from ECOWAS countries have trained and mentored their Gambian counterparts, ensuring that the country’s armed forces evolve into an institution that serves the people rather than intimidates them. This has been critical in restoring public confidence in state institutions. At the same time, the secure environment created by ECOMIG has allowed civil society, political parties, and the media to flourish. Gambians could once again gather freely, hold rallies, and participate fully in their country’s political life without fear of reprisals.
ECOWAS has also been a vital partner in supporting justice and reconciliation. Following the work of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, ECOWAS endorsed the creation of a Special Tribunal to prosecute the most serious crimes committed during the Jammeh era. This was a historic decision that showed the region’s determination to help Gambians heal wounds, deliver justice to victims, and guarantee that such abuses will never happen again. In January 2024, ECOWAS President Dr Omar Alieu Touray met with the Gambian government and pledged full support for judicial reforms to implement the TRRC’s recommendations. This commitment demonstrated ECOWAS’ broader vision of not only defending democracy but also building lasting systems of justice, accountability, and human dignity.
Dr Omar Alieu Touray has been a consistent voice for peace and integration across the region. He has reminded Gambians that ECOMIG is not an occupation force but a stabilising presence working alongside national forces to guarantee the peace of The Gambia and the wider region. He has called on all ECOWAS member states to preserve unity at all costs, warning that disunity threatens security and governance. His leadership has ensured that The Gambia’s case stands as an example of what regional solidarity can achieve when nations act together in defense of democracy and human rights.
The positive impact of ECOMIG and ECOWAS goes beyond politics and security. Stability has created an environment for investment and economic growth. Markets and trade routes are safer, businesses operate with greater confidence, and international partners recognise The Gambia as a country steadily consolidating its democratic gains. Ordinary Gambians benefit directly through a safer society, renewed freedoms, and brighter prospects for their children. The country’s active participation in ECOWAS protocols on free movement, trade, and integration also highlights how far it has come in rejoining the regional family as a committed and constructive partner.
Today, as The Gambia continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, the role of ECOWAS and ECOMIG remains a vital source of reassurance. Their presence has been key to maintaining peace, consolidating reforms, and ensuring that the country’s hard-won democratic gains are not reversed. The Gambian story since 2017 is one of courage, resilience, and renewal, but it is also a story of brotherhood and solidarity. ECOWAS stood firmly with the Gambian people when it mattered most, and its ongoing commitment under Dr Omar Alieu Touray is helping to shape a future of peace, justice, and prosperity.
For these reasons, ECOWAS deserves recognition for its exceptional role in The Gambia’s democratic journey. The intervention through ECOMIG remains one of the most successful examples of African-led peacekeeping and regional cooperation. It has not only safeguarded democracy but has also laid the foundation for a more secure and hopeful Gambia, making it a model worth celebrating across the west African region.
