"The Gambia, unlike its West African neighbours, has since independence, enjoyed a prolonged spell of stability and functional democratic governance, albeit, with challenges to its social order and political structures. These continuing challenges have been evident since independence in 1965, and are manifest in the absence of an active civil society and effective political institutions against a backdrop of widespread impoverishment. In July 1994, the First Republic was overthrown in a military coup led by Yahya Jammeh. Although the army formally withdrew from politics in 1996 and Jammeh was "elected" President, a new style of governance subsequently emerged to limit constitutional rule and fundamental human rights."--Publisher's website.