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[QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 22946, member: 2262"]
The Gambia, a small West African nation, gained its independence in 1965. The country's first president, Sir Dawda Jawara, knew that The Gambia needed help from other countries to grow. He wanted The Gambia to join international groups. This would show that other nations saw The Gambia as a real country.

President Jawara worked fast to get The Gambia into the United Nations. It became the 116th member in 1965. The Gambia also joined the British Commonwealth and the Organization of African Unity. These groups gave The Gambia a voice in the world.

But being part of these groups cost money. Poor countries like The Gambia had to pay more than their fair share. President Jawara told the United Nations this was a problem. He said The Gambia might not be able to do as much as it wanted to.

The Gambia asked the Commonwealth and African Union to let it pay less. They agreed so that The Gambia could take part in more activities. President Jawara used his role to help solve problems between countries. He wanted to keep these groups together.

President Jawara looked for other ways to help The Gambia's economy. He built ties with the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. They gave money and other aid to The Gambia. But President Jawara was always careful. He didn't want to put The Gambia at risk.

Libya once gave money to The Gambia. But in 1980, President Jawara felt Libya was a danger to his government. He cut ties with Libya to keep The Gambia safe. President Jawara had to make hard choices to do what was best for his country.
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