In 2023, The Gambia ranked 5th in Africa and 46th globally, positioned between the United States and South Korea. However, this year, the country has fallen to 11th place, marking a setback for the ambitious goal set by the new Information Minister to make The Gambia the top-ranked country in Africa for press freedom. Achieving this target will require strong political will and critical legal reforms to surpass Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other African nations. More on this in the full report.

Press freedom is experiencing a worrying decline in many African nations. The region records the highest number of countries with declining economic indicators as 80 per cent have seen their economic scores drop. In many cases, media ownership is concentrated in the hands of a few private groups close to those in power and individuals with political interests, which compromises newsrooms’ editorial independence. More in the press release.

Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, African movements have issued an urgent call to action as civic space crumbles under the popular leadership of President Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso. A joint statement signed by 18 movements and activists has condemned “kidnappings” under the regime and urged the international community to intervene, as journalists and dissenting voices are being rounded up. More is detailed in this revealing press release, which highlights how opposing voices are being forced to face jihadists in the Sahel.

Freedom House Gambia Representative highlighted that Access to Information (ATI) is the disinfectant to public ills during the validation of the National Road Map for the Implementation of the ATI Act. More in the report.

The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) have been issued a protest permit by the Gambia Police Force yesterday 5th November 2024 to protest tomorrow, 7th November 2024 in Banjul for a return of the 2020 Draft Constitution.

The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) issued a statement condemning The Gambia Government’s use of Draconian Media Laws against Journalists.

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) and allied media organisations and affiliates on Monday paid a courtesy call on President Adama Barrow to discuss key issues that affect press freedom.

His Excellency Adama Barrow on Monday afternoon received a joint delegation from the media fraternity, comprising the Gambia Press Union, the Media Council of The Gambia, the Newspaper Publishers Association, and the Women Journalists Association at the State House in Banjul.

The Gambia Press Union issued a statement condemning the Government’s lawsuits against the Voice Newspaper and the Alkamba Times grabbing headlines across the world in October 2024.

The Gambia Press Union issued a position paper identifying numerous recommendations on the CyberCrime Bill for improvement. Parliament is currently reviewing the Bill for adoption which in its current state will impact negatively on freedom of expression and press freedom and in The Gambia.