Jawara, Sir Dawda Kairaba [key], 1924–2019, president of Gambia (1970–94). A veterinarian, he became active in politics in 1960 and leader of the People's Progressive party. Entering government as minister of education (1960–61), he also served as first minister (1962–70). In 1970, Gambia became a republic with Jawara as president. During the early 1980s, Jawara survived, with Senegalese aid, armed rebellions and coups and was reelected in 1987. In 1989, he oversaw dissolution of the Senegambian confederation and gained renewed popularity, but he was overthrown in an army coup in 1994.
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