Which European powers competed for influence in the Gambia River region?

European interest in the Gambia River region began in the late 1400s with the Portuguese, who established early trading stations. Over the following two centuries, the region attracted various European trading companies, including those from England, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Courland.12

Throughout the 18th century, a struggle for prestige in the Senegambia region developed primarily between France and England. While British influence became more firmly established after 1816 with the founding of Bathurst (now Banjul), the two powers continued to compete for control. During the 1870s, Britain even considered trading the Gambia to France, though these plans were ultimately abandoned due to domestic opposition.1

The rivalry was effectively resolved in 1889 following a conference in Paris, where France ceded control of the Gambia River to Britain, leading to the establishment of the country's modern-day boundaries.3