[1] Despite widespread skepticism about its survival, The Gambia retained its sovereignty despite persistent Senegalese pressure for union and numerous ethnic groups that plagued the security of other countries.

[2] Dawda Jawara’s deliberate policy of converting the PPP from a Mandinka-dominated organization into a nationwide party enabled inter-ethnic cooperation and boosted Gambia's well-earned reputation for a beacon of democracy.

[3] Relations detonated on 22 July 1994 when a group of disaffected junior army officers seized power in a bloodless coup that allowed[1] safe passage to President Dawda Jawara out of the country.

Turkey, along with Western allies, promptly cut off[5] aid to the military junta led by Yahya Jammeh and imposed further sanctions.

Relations improved in 1996–1997 with a formal return to elections and Turkey lifted economic[5] sanctions that had thrown The Gambia's economy into chaos.