Sierra Leone and Liberia Overtake The Gambia in African Press Freedom Index

Information Minister Dr Ceesay at 2025 WPFD © Askanwi Media

By Yusef Taylor, FlexDan_YT

Africa’s smallest mainland country, The Gambia, retained its Global Press Freedom Ranking of 58 in 2025. However, it dropped one place in the African Press Freedom Rankings, falling to 11th. With a score of 65.49, The Gambia is now classified as having a “currently problematic” press freedom environment.

Previously ranked higher than Sierra Leone and Liberia, The Gambia was overtaken by both countries this year. Conversely, Ivory Coast, which ranked 7th in Africa last year, slipped to 12th—placing it below The Gambia.

Regionally, Senegal, The Gambia’s closest neighbour, made significant strides—improving from 24th to 15th in Africa. Only four African countries—Gabon, Cabo Verde, Namibia, and South Africa—are considered to have a “satisfactory” press freedom environment.

Mauritania, which topped Africa’s rankings last year and stood at 27th globally, was displaced by South Africa, which rose from 4th to 1st. Mauritania now ranks 6th after falling five places.

Selected countries from WPF Index © Askanwi after RSF

In its annual report, the France-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) describes The Gambia’s media landscape as relatively free and uncensored, reflecting a diversity of opinions. However, RSF also notes that the government “at times exerts pressure on some media outlets.”

One such example occurred in October 2024, when The Voice newspaper’s editor-in-chief, Musa Sheriff and Journalist Momodou Justice Darboe was arrested and summoned before the High Court in Banjul following a presidential complaint over an article. RSF warns that there is a lack of political will to legally protect journalists. Another lawsuit filed against Alkamba Times Journalist Kebba Ansu Manneh will surely impact the Gambia’s ranking if he’s successfully prosecuted.

President Adama Barrow has often criticised the media, accusing some outlets of abusing the freedoms gained after the fall of former President Yahya Jammeh. Back in 2016 and 2017, The Gambia ranked 145th and 143rd globally, respectively—classified as being in a “difficult situation,” only one step above the worst category.

Speaking at the annual Eid meeting with Banjul Muslim Elders in late March, President Barrow lambasted journalists for only reporting “negative news.” He claimed some outlets seem intent on promoting “conflict and instability.” He also warned religious leaders against sermons that might incite chaos, despite acknowledging their freedom to speak—a statement that drew sharp public criticism.

As The Gambia heads into an election year, concerns are growing that the President’s increasingly hostile rhetoric could endanger journalists and create a volatile atmosphere leading up to the 2026 Presidential Election.

On a more positive note, the passage of the Access to Information Law and the establishment of a Commission were welcomed as steps toward improving media freedom. RSF also highlighted a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that declared criminal penalties for defamation and online criticism of government officials unconstitutional—a landmark decision.

However, many of Yahya Jammeh’s repressive media laws remain in place, continuing to threaten press freedom. Of particular concern are the CyberCrime Bill and recently approved Criminal Offences Bill, which includes the controversial “saga ndey” clause. This provision criminalises insulting the parents of National Assembly Members, the President, and Cabinet Ministers—a move widely seen as regressive and selective.

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has condemned the government’s decision to retain certain anti-media laws, stating that it contradicts a 2018 ECOWAS Court ruling. In March, the GPU submitted a position paper urging lawmakers to remove the "False Publication and Broadcasting" provision, arguing that it is now being used by the current government to harass and intimidate the press, just as it was under Jammeh.

Gambia RSF Ranking Scores © RSF

Economic pressures are also taking a toll on media houses across Africa, with 80% seeing their scores drop. At the GPU’s World Press Freedom talks, concerns were raised about Artificial Intelligence leading to job losses and revenue declines—though AI also presents valuable tools for modern journalism.

Despite scoring 69 in the Economic Indicator, RSF notes that Gambian media face severe financial challenges due to high taxes, lack of subsidies, and the rising cost of printing equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the crisis by slashing advertising revenue. In response, the government provided a €270,000 media subsidy in July 2020—the first since independence.

More recently, confidence in the media has been eroded by a lack of transparency. In 2024, the government awarded over D40 million to seven handpicked media outlets to promote its agenda—unlike in 2020, when COVID-19 subsidies were distributed through the GPU in a more transparent process.

Following an appeal by veteran journalist Pap Saine during the first Presidential Media Dinner in December 2024, the government announced plans to establish media subsidies. Information Minister Dr. Ceesay also revealed plans to hold a retreat with media stakeholders to determine subsidy terms. However, Pap Saine also urged the government to repeal remaining repressive media laws—a necessary step if The Gambia is to realize its ambition of becoming the top-ranked African country for press freedom.

Information Minister and Delegates © Askanwi