New Gambian president will re-engage the West

Significance

If Barrow is inaugurated, it will mark the first peaceful transfer of power since the country gained independence. Incumbent Yahya Jammeh, who seized power in a 1994 military coup, was widely expected to claim victory, despite widespread frustration. With the economy stagnant and the unemployment rate among the highest in West Africa, Barrow successfully united much of the political opposition. Jammeh's concession was unexpected given the repression that his security services employed prior to the election.

Impacts

• A new administration will look to draw prominent figures from across The Gambia's ethnic groups.
• Security will remain taut ahead of the upcoming inauguration and legislative elections scheduled for April.
• The new government could renew its commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• There could be widespread calls for the prosecution of Jammeh, which may provoke unrest within the military and new coup fears.