GPU raises alarm over press freedom challenges at ACHPR session
However, the Union warned that journalists continue to face intimidation, arrests, assaults and restrictive laws that undermine media independence and freedom of expression. The GPU cited several incidents involving journalists over the past year, including the arrest of Sheriff Conteh of In-depth Media and Alieu Ceesay of The Alkamba Times while covering a peaceful protest in Banjul in May 2025. During the same protest, photojournalist Matarr Jassey of The Fatu Network was reportedly assaulted by police officers. The Union also highlighted the ongoing defamation case against Kebba Ansu Manneh of The Alkamba Times by Environment Minister Rohey John Manjang over alleged illegal logging corruption claims. According to the GPU, the minister is seeking damages exceeding 725,000 US dollars, a move the Union says could cripple the media outlet financially. The statement further referenced the assault and detention of Momodou Justice Darboe at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court in March this year, as well as the interrogation of Omar P. Jallow by intelligence officers attached to the Office of the Vice President. The GPU expressed concern over what it described as increasing intolerance toward critical journalism by public institutions. It cited the exclusion of journalist Yusef Taylor from a Central Bank press briefing and the exclusion of Voice Out Digital from a National Water and Electricity Company event after critical reporting. On media law reforms, the GPU welcomed the repeal of some sedition laws and the decriminalisation of criminal defamation. However, it criticised provisions in the Criminal Offences Act 2025, the Cybercrime Bill 2023 and the Communications Bill 2025, arguing that they threaten press freedom, expand surveillance powers and encourage censorship. The Union also lamented the failure to implement the Access to Information Act 2021, saying public institutions continue to deny journalists and citizens access to information. The GPU called on the ACHPR to urge the Gambian government to end attacks on journalists, review restrictive laws, guarantee media independence and fully implement the Access to Information Act.
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However, the Union warned that journalists continue to face intimidation, arrests, assaults and restrictive laws that undermine media independence and freedom of expression.
The GPU cited several incidents involving journalists over the past year, including the arrest of Sheriff Conteh of In-depth Media and Alieu Ceesay of The Alkamba Times while covering a peaceful protest in Banjul in May 2025. During the same protest, photojournalist Matarr Jassey of The Fatu Network was reportedly assaulted by police officers.
The Union also highlighted the ongoing defamation case against Kebba Ansu Manneh of The Alkamba Times by Environment Minister Rohey John Manjang over alleged illegal logging corruption claims. According to the GPU, the minister is seeking damages exceeding 725,000 US dollars, a move the Union says could cripple the media outlet financially.
The statement further referenced the assault and detention of Momodou Justice Darboe at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court in March this year, as well as the interrogation of Omar P. Jallow by intelligence officers attached to the Office of the Vice President.
The GPU expressed concern over what it described as increasing intolerance toward critical journalism by public institutions. It cited the exclusion of journalist Yusef Taylor from a Central Bank press briefing and the exclusion of Voice Out Digital from a National Water and Electricity Company event after critical reporting.
On media law reforms, the GPU welcomed the repeal of some sedition laws and the decriminalisation of criminal defamation. However, it criticised provisions in the Criminal Offences Act 2025, the Cybercrime Bill 2023 and the Communications Bill 2025, arguing that they threaten press freedom, expand surveillance powers and encourage censorship.
The Union also lamented the failure to implement the Access to Information Act 2021, saying public institutions continue to deny journalists and citizens access to information.
The GPU called on the ACHPR to urge the Gambian government to end attacks on journalists, review restrictive laws, guarantee media independence and fully implement the Access to Information Act.
