The U.S. Department of State maintained The Gambia’s Tier 2 status in its 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report. This classification reflects the assessment of the United States government regarding the efforts of the country to address human trafficking. The report outlines the standing of the nation within the international framework used by the U.S. Department of State to monitor global compliance. Officials at the National Agency Against Trafficking In Persons continue to operate under this designation as the government manages its responsibilities regarding trafficking prevention and victim protection. The Gambia remains in this category as the U.S. Department of State evaluates progress made by authorities in Banjul since the previous assessment period.
Increased Investigations and Prosecutions
The Gambian government investigated 20 suspected trafficking cases during the reporting period, an increase from 16 cases identified in the previous period. Authorities also expanded their judicial response by initiating prosecutions against six alleged traffickers, a rise from the two prosecutions recorded during the prior reporting timeframe. Despite these procedural increases, the government convicted one trafficker during the reporting period, maintaining the same conviction rate as the previous cycle.
Separate from these trafficking-specific proceedings, Gambian authorities investigated and prosecuted 60 Chinese nationals over alleged involvement in online scam operations. These enforcement actions represent the current scope of judicial activity reported by the state as it manages responsibilities regarding criminal oversight and legal accountability. Officials continue to monitor these cases as part of the broader administrative efforts to address illicit activities within the jurisdiction.
Victim Identification and Support Efforts
The government identified 26 trafficking victims during the reporting period. This figure marks an increase from the six victims and six potential victims identified in the previous period.
Budgetary support for these individuals saw a decline. Authorities allocated 970,000 dalasi, approximately $13,472, for victim services. This amount represents a decrease from the 1.35 million dalasi, about $18,754, provided during the previous period.
Strategic Planning and Resource Allocation
The government increased funding for the National Agency Against Trafficking In Persons to support its operational activities. Officials allocated 11 million dalasi, approximately $152,778, to NAATIP for this purpose. This figure represents an increase from the 9.4 million dalasi, about $125,000, provided during the previous period.
To structure future interventions, the government drafted a new National Action Plan for 2026–2030. This document serves to guide anti-trafficking efforts across the country over the next four years. Authorities intend for this policy framework to direct the administration of their responsibilities regarding prevention and law enforcement.