Dawda Jawara

Dawda Jawara was a Gambian politician who led the country as prime minister from 1962 to 1970 and president from 1970 to 1994. His rule ended in a military coup.

The Gambia: The Gambia is a West African country almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, with a narrow Atlantic coast. Jawara’s political career unfolded as this British colony became an independent state.
Prime Minister of The Gambia: The prime minister of The Gambia is the head of government under the country’s parliamentary system. Jawara held this office from 1962 until the republic replaced the parliamentary system.
Senegambia Confederation: The Senegambia Confederation was a short-lived political union between The Gambia and Senegal from 1982 to 1989. Jawara negotiated the union after Senegalese troops helped suppress a 1981 uprising.
Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara: Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara was the full name of Dawda Jawara, a Gambian veterinary officer and political leader. The honorific name appears in accounts of his public life and knighthood.
British Gambia: British Gambia was a British colony along the Gambia River that became independent in 1965. Jawara entered politics while the colony was moving toward self-government.
President of The Gambia: The president of The Gambia is the country’s head of state and government under its presidential system. Jawara became the first president when The Gambia became a republic in 1970.
1981 Gambian coup attempt: The 1981 Gambian coup attempt was an armed uprising against Jawara’s government, suppressed with Senegalese military assistance. The uprising exposed the vulnerability of Jawara’s government and prompted closer ties with Senegal.
Edward Francis Small: Edward Francis Small was a Gambian political activist and trade unionist who challenged colonial rule in the early twentieth century. Small was an earlier Gambian political organizer whose anti-colonial activism preceded Jawara’s leadership.
Veterinary medicine: Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine concerned with animal health, disease, and treatment. Jawara trained and worked as a veterinary officer before entering politics.
Gambian constitutional referendum, 1970: The 1970 Gambian constitutional referendum approved a republican constitution and an executive presidency. Its approval transformed Jawara’s premiership into a presidency.

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History of The GambiaRelated: His long rule shaped the republic’s early institutions and its transition to multiparty politics.