Dawda Jawara

ModernPoliticianGambia1924 — ?

First president of Gambia, overthrown by coup.

Compare Dawda Jawara with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1924

Country

Gambia

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)18

Political (20%)61

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)74

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score48.6

Dawda Jawara — Complete Timeline

1970 AD

Became First President of GambiaPolitical Action

Jawara became the first President of Gambia after the country became a republic, following independence from Britain in 1965. He led a stable, multi-party democracy for decades.

IndependenceGambiaPresidency

Impact: nationalconstructive

1981 AD

Survived Coup AttemptPolitical Action◆ Major

Jawara survived a coup attempt by leftist elements, which was suppressed with Senegalese military intervention. The attempt led to the short-lived Senegambia Confederation.

Coup AttemptGambiaSenegambia

Impact: nationaldestructive

1994 AD

Overthrown by CoupPolitical Action

Jawara was overthrown in a bloodless military coup led by Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh. The coup ended his 24-year rule and marked the beginning of authoritarian governance in Gambia.

CoupGambiaOverthrow

Impact: nationaldestructive