Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the political situation in The Gambia; and if he will make a statement.

The UK Government judges that the 2021 Presidential elections in The Gambia were free, fair and transparent, and an important milestone for The Gambia's democracy. We welcome President Barrow's commitment to passing a new constitution during his tenure. We are aware of the recent charges of treason against eight soldiers from The Gambia Armed Forces. The UK strongly condemns any attempts to overthrow democratically elected governments. We continue to monitor the situation closely.

The British High Commission in Banjul regularly raises good governance and democracy with the Government of The Gambia. The UK-funded International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance has facilitated peaceful and constructive dialogue between political, civil society, and religious groups to help progress the constitutional reform process. In association with the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association, the UK also provides legislative support and judiciary training for parliamentarians to build capacity within the judiciary system.