Gambia’s Ousted Dictator Seeks more Modest Title: Humble Farmer (The Telegraph, UK – April 8)

The former president, who is accused of decades of human rights abuses, fled to Equatorial Guinea in January after being offered asylum by fellow dictator Teodoro Obiang. Since then, nothing has been heard from him - but photos have now emerged showing him starting a new life in agriculture.

Gambia’s Ousted Dictator is Living the Good Life in a Palace in Equatorial Guinea (Foreign Policy – April 3)

“A prosecution may only come in the long term, after the truth and reconciliation committee plays out, but I think the new government in Banjul will pay attention to those campaigning for it to happen,” says Jeffrey Smith, executive director of Vanguard Africa, an American pro-democracy NGO. “I wouldn’t be surprised if ultimately one day we see Jammeh in handcuffs.”

Will Rwanda’s Kagame Forego a Pre-Election Crackdown This Time Around? (World Politics Review – March 30, 2017)

“The U.S. in particular is just so desperate for a development success story that leaders at least on this side of the Atlantic are willing to turn a blind eye to these other, more negative developments,” says Jeffrey Smith, executive director of Vanguard Africa, a Washington-based group that promotes reform-minded opposition politicians. 

He Helped Unseat the Gambian Dictator – Who’s Next? (Ozy.com – March 26)

Likable and responsive, Jeffrey Smith has built relationships with dozens of activists, from Angola to Zimbabwe, and has American officials at the highest echelons on speed dial. One of his strengths: Getting D.C. power brokers and activists who fight repressive regimes in the same room. Another? Twitter, which he has used to build a constituency for change among human rights wonks, policymakers, and leaders and activists in Africa and its diaspora. For Smith, Twitter is part watercooler, part advocacy megaphone. He tweets throughout the day on serious topics, like political economy and dictatorship, but also uses Twitter to create and nurture camaraderie, even community.

What’s the Point of Gambia Rejoining the Commonwealth? (Newsweek – February 15)

According to Gambia analyst Jeffrey Smith, rejoining the Commonwealth is one of President Barrow’s top priorities as it is part of a wider process of rebuilding ties severed during Jammeh’s 22 years in power. “It’s all part of a process of social healing, bringing people back together, both in the country and reconnecting Gambia to the world,” says Smith, executive director at U.S.-based NGO Vanguard Africa, which was a vocal supporter of Barrow during the election. “In that sense, it ranks at the very top [of Barrow’s priorities].”