The politics of Senegambian integration, 1958 - 1994

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This study examines the state-managed cooperation and integration between The Gambia and Senegal, focusing on how national politics in The Gambia affects inter-state collaboration in functional areas. The Senegambia case exemplifies the broader African challenge of balancing the ideological goal of unity and regional integration, as highlighted in the African Union's Constitutive Act, with the need to safeguard national statehood and specific interests. It illustrates the difficulties that arise when promoting integration between countries with different colonial backgrounds. The case shows that integration becomes more complex after achieving statehood, as the immediate benefits of statehood often overshadow the long-term rewards of unity. Additionally, integration can be perceived as a threat to national sovereignty, which is often fragile and closely guarded in these nations. Ultimately, this experience highlights the intricate challenges of achieving unity among African states and underscores the tension between building a national political identity and meeting the demands of international economic integration.