ECOWAS Programme Moves to End Exclusion of Disabled Children in Education
For years, many children living with disabilities in the country have been kept out of classrooms, excluded from opportunities, and judged by their limitations rather than their potential.
However, a renewed sense of hope has emerged through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under its programme for the provision of assistive devices to children with disabilities. The initiative forms part of a broader regional effort to strengthen inclusion and reduce vulnerability.
More in the news report.
Gambia Launches Special Criminal Division as Transitional Justice Enters New Phase
In a landmark development for The Gambia’s justice system, the judiciary has inaugurated the Special Criminal Division of the High Court at Mile 7 in Bakau, a move widely hailed as a pivotal step in advancing the nation’s long running transitional justice process.
More in the news report.
President Barrow is Clueless that Victims Suffer Every April, Says April 2000 Survivor
A survivor of the April 2000 student massacre has criticised President Adama Barrow and his government for their continued silence and neglect, warning that many are suffering and dying without support.
More in this report.
Justice Darboe’s Court Hearing Postponed Indefinitely
Jollof News journalist Mr Momodou Justice Darboe, who was scheduled to appear before Banjul Magistrate’s Court this morning, 20th April 2026, to face charges of common nuisance, has been postponed indefinitely.
More in the report.
Police Should Drop Common Nuisance Charge on Momodou Justice Darboe of Jollof News
The Online Media Association of The Gambia (GOMA) is urging the Gambia Police Force to drop its common nuisance charge against Jollof News journalist Momodou Justice Darboe. Darboe has been charged with common nuisance by the police and is expected in court on Monday, 20th April 2026.
More in the press release.
Omar Badjie’s Coroners Inquest Recommends Criminal Proceedings Against Police Officers
The coroner's inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, which sparked protests in Lamin Mandinary, has concluded that his death was caused by police officers who assaulted him physically. The press release issued today from the Office of the Chief Justice recommends the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider criminal proceedings against the police officers involved. More in the press release.
Media Regulations: Is Information Minister Ceesay Failing to Implement Related TRRC Recommendations?
In March 2026, the Ministry of Information issued an infographic claiming that the government is “strengthening laws to protect press freedom and journalists. It is also implementing reforms recommended by the TRRC. In addition, it works with the Gambia Press Union to promote a safer environment for journalists.”
However, Dr Ceesay’s recent introduction of the Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations 2026 has revealed a deep division with the media, and our feature article underlines that the TRRC success claims are not as they appear.
GOMA & Partners Boycott PURA Consultation Over State Control Media Concerns
The Gambia Online Media Association issued a statement thanking its members for the successful boycott of the Ministry of Information and PURA’s consultation on the regulations which they believe will usher in an era of state-controlled media.
More in the press release.
Five CSOs Commemorate 26 Years Since April 2000 Student Massacre, Demand Government Action
As five civil society organisations rally public support for the April 2000 Students Massacre, their statement reveals government inaction, noting that only one TRRC recommendation relating to the incident and protest has been completed since May 2022 when the state accepted the recommendations.
More in this press release.
GPU, Media & CSOs Reject Government’s State-Controlled Media Plans
As the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) prepares to conclude its public consultation today, 10th April 2026, the Gambia Press Union, the media and civil society organisations have issued a statement rejecting the government’s proposals and consultation.
According to the statement, the regulations will give the state the authority to decide who becomes a journalist underpinned by a registration regime allowing the state to suspend and revoke licenses for media platforms and social media users.
More in this statement.
Special GBV Court Offers Renewed Hope as Major Cases Put Justice System Under Spotlight
The government’s plan to inaugurate a Special Court for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) has renewed hope among survivors, women’s rights advocates, and the wider public at a time when the country’s justice system is facing increased scrutiny over how sensitive and high-profile cases are handled.
More in this publication.
Bojang Siblings Finally Released After Two-Day Protest
A high-profile criminal case that has gripped the nation since 2023 reached a dramatic conclusion on 1st April 2026, as Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang, were finally released from state custody following a High Court acquittal, public protests, and mounting pressure on authorities.
More in the news report.
EFSCRJ: Gambia Government's Plans to Control Press Will Weaken Democracy
The Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice has issued a statement showing solidarity with a statement from former Gambia Press Union presidents warning that the government plans to control the media through a new policy and a regulation.
In their statement, EFSCRJ argues that the hard-won freedoms and democracy will be weakened by the government’s permission-journalism regime.
More in the statement.
Five Former GPU Presidents Raise Alarm on Gov’t Accreditation and Regulation Plans
Five former presidents of the Gambia Press Union have issued a warning on the government’s plans to introduce state-controlled registration and accreditation of journalists through the National Press Accreditation Policy and the Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations, 2025.
The former presidents argue that this will empower executive discretion and plunge the country back into the dark days of permission-based journalism.
More in the statement.
Solicitor General Misses NHRC’s 2025 Human Rights Report Validation Workshop
The Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) hosted its annual validation workshop on the 2025 State of Human Rights Report today, 9th March 2026. Attended by various stakeholders from civil society organisations, law enforcement officers, and others, Solicitor General Mr Hussein Thomasi’s statement was not delivered because he failed to attend.
More in the report.
Omar Camara’s Late Arrival Foils Police Prosecutor’s Arrest Warrant Application
Police Prosecutor Commissioner Sanneh's application for a bench warrant to arrest Omar Camara was foiled after Camara arrived before the end of the court proceeding.
Commissioner Sanneh has been on a mission to re-arrest Gambian protestors. This was his second failed bench warrant application submitted to the court to arrest Gambian protestors in the space of three weeks.
More in the court report.
23 Accused Insist They Attended All Hearings, Question Police Bench Warrant Bid
Yesterday, 11th February 2026, a group of human rights advocates issued a statement countering police claims that they failed to appear in court, prompting police to apply for their bench warrant and arrest.
According to the advocates the magistrate assigned to the case has passed away and no magistrate has been assigned to their case.
More in the statement.
Migrant Smuggling Not a Crime in The Gambia, Immigration Official Reveals
Migrant smuggling is not currently criminalised under Gambian law, a gap that severely limits the ability of authorities to prosecute those involved in facilitating irregular migration, according to Inspector Alkali Jammeh, a Lead Investigator at the Migration Unit of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID). However, our investigation reveals that since 2023, a Bill has been validated, which could criminalise smuggling but is currently languishing between cabinet ministers. More in the news report.
Sambang Fula Residents Recount Victimisation During Jammeh Era
Residents of Sambang Fula in Niamina have recounted experiences of victimisation during the era of former President Yahya Jammeh, as the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations (Victims’ Center) continued its Musical Caravan outreach involving community dialogue and public engagement.
More in the news report.
Victims’ Center Deepens Grassroots Understanding of TJ Process After Second Musical Caravan
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations (Victims’ Center) has completed Phase Two of its nationwide Musical Caravan outreach across the North Bank Region (NBR), Central River Region (CRR), and Upper River Region (URR), marking a major milestone in efforts to deepen grassroots engagement on transitional justice in The Gambia.
More in the news report.
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