The Gambia-Taiwan Relations, 1995-2013: Yahya Jammeh’s Forei̇gn Policy Rationality

Abstract

One of Yahya Jammeh’s most consequential diplomatic relations was with the Republic of China on Taiwan (Taiwan). Although Jammeh’s decision to have diplomatic relations with Taiwan immediately brought US $35 million to the Junta in 1995, it has been criticised by politicians and policy makers for being irrational. However, there has been neither an attempt to document the benefits derived from the relationship nor the rationality that justified the relationship. This paper attempts to explain the rationality of Jammeh’s foreign policy and to document the benefits derived. The paper adopted rationality as a theoretical framework. The review of over 150 reports as the main source of data revealed that while loans and aid in cash from China between 1974-1994 was approximately $50,000,000, Taiwan’s cash and cheque donations was estimated at $398,658,655 between 1995-2012. The paper thus concluded that Jammeh’s foreign policy on Taiwan was procedurally and economically rational considering Taiwan’s numerous contributions to education, health and agriculture amongst others.