Who is dauda jawara

The entire Gambian nation is in a state of mourning. We are mourning because our nation has lost its first premier, prime minister and president for over 30 years. Dawda Jawara, who died Tuesday at age 95, was a Glassgow trained veterinary doctor who ruled the small West African country from independence to when he was overthrown in a bloodless military coup led by Yahya Jammeh who ruled the country for 22 years. He sought refuge in the U. Search Search. Home United States U.

Latest show. VOA Africa Listen live. Jawara was born in to Almammi Jawara and Mamma Fatty in the village of Barajally in central Gambia, miles from the capital Bathurst now called Banjul. At this time, the Gambia was under the rule of the British who had established a military presence in Bathurst in Jawara moved to the Gold Coast now Ghana, then also under British colonial rule in to study sciences in Accra, prompted by a lack of educational prospects in colonial Gambia.

The Gold Coast, along with other possessions of the British empire, was becoming restless for self-government Ghana would be the first African nation to gain independence. Jawara later travelled to the UK to train as a veterinary surgeon, first at the University of Glasgow, followed by the University of Liverpool. When he returned home after completing his studies in , he worked as a veterinary officer.

The Gambia was the last country in west Africa to achieve independence, which occurred on 18 February Like many other former British colonies, initially it was established as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth under the rule of Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the governor-general. The party won a narrow majority in the elections: when self-government came in October , Jawara became prime minister.

He was knighted by the Queen in , and was at the helm when the Gambia gained independence. He is active in forums supporting health and democracy in Africa. Under Jawara's rule Gambia remained an isolated example of democracy and stability in the troubled West African region but in the latter part of his rule corruption became a major problem.

For a short time before his overthrow he was the very last of that generation of African leaders who had led their countries to independence in the s to remain in power. Subjects: Social sciences — Regional and Area Studies. View all related items in Oxford Reference ». All Rights Reserved. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a PDF of a single entry from a reference work in OR for personal use for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice.

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