Pray for Gambia
Banjul, the capital
Photo: Hannu Sääskilahti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Gambia
The capital is Banjul. People speak English, Mandinka, Pulaar, Wolof and other languages. The largest faith is Islam.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Gambia
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
In early September protesters in and around Banjul burned tyres and set up barricades over power cuts lasting up to 48 hours, and police used tear gas. The country is preparing for the presidential election on 5 December 2026. Higher food and energy prices linked to the war in the Middle East are adding pressure on families.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
The Gambia is a presidential republic. President Adama Barrow is head of state and of government and is seeking a third term, and Mohammed B.S. Jallow is Vice President. Other candidates include Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party and Talib Ahmed Bensouda, reported as the flagbearer of an opposition coalition. A fair and peaceful election in December is a key moment.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The IMF expects growth to slow to about 4.7% in 2026, from about 6% in 2025. Food and energy costs pushed inflation up again in April, and debt remains a concern. In 2022 about 17% of people lived in extreme poverty.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
The main peoples are the Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola and Soninke. Families of different faiths often live side by side and join in the holidays of their neighbours. A national debate continues over the 2015 ban on female genital cutting, and the protection of girls is a real concern. Election seasons can raise tensions, so peace between communities needs care.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
About 96% of Gambians are Muslim, mostly Sunni, and about 4% are Christian, mostly Catholic, according to the 2024 census. Many people also blend traditional beliefs with Islam or Christianity. Small Baha'i, Hindu and other communities are also present.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution forbids a state religion and religious discrimination, and provides qadi courts for Muslim family matters. The US State Department describes interfaith marriage as common and religious difference as widely accepted. It also reports that the Supreme Islamic Council excludes the Ahmadiyya community, and that church vandalism in 2023 led to interfaith dialogue.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
The Gambia River was a major route of the slave trade for centuries, and Britain ruled the area until independence in 1965. Yahya Jammeh ruled from a 1994 coup until 2017, with reports of killings, disappearances and arbitrary imprisonment. He left only after a political crisis and a regional military intervention. In 2026 a former interior minister was still appealing his Swiss conviction for crimes against humanity.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for The Gambia. Bring relief to families struggling with power cuts and rising prices. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to President Barrow, every candidate and all in authority, and grant a peaceful and fair election. Provide for every family and bless honest work. Protect girls and the vulnerable, and keep peace between all communities. Let the hope and truth of Jesus be made known in every home. Keep the freedom to worship safe for all. Heal the wounds of the past and lead the nation in justice, forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- Reuters via Polity: protesters burn tyres over power cuts (Sept 2026)
- Wikipedia: 2026 Gambian presidential election
- The Point: Gambia benefits from IMF disbursement (July 2026)
- US State Department: 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom, The Gambia
- Wikipedia: The Gambia (history, peoples, faith)
- Wikipedia: 2026 in the Gambia
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Gambia and pray along.
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