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.

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.

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 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.

The Center for Policy, Research, and Strategic Studies (CepRASS) launched a new project titled “Assessing and Strengthening Democracy in The Gambia: Building a Representative and Accountable Government” at the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in Bakau on Friday, 31st September 2025. More in the report.

The Gambian government issued a statement clarifying that second President Yahya Jammeh has the right to return to the country from exile in Equatorial Guinea but will face prosecution for human rights violations as documented by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission upon his arrival. More in the press release.

The Ministry of Information has released a presser lauding the Parliamentary Approval of the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Bill. More in the press release.

The Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Media Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has issued a statement on International Day for Universal Access to Information reaffirming the governments commitment to the full implementation of the Access to Information Act. More in the press release.

The Gambian Government issued a statement condemning the death of a one-month-old baby girl after allegedly undergoing the practice of female genital mutilation/ circumcision (FGM/C). The statement welcomes the conviction of the three suspects involved in her death and warns citizens to abide by the law against FGM/C. More in the statement.

The Ministry of Information has issued a statement announcing redeployments in the Foreign Affairs Ministry and in The Gambia Maritime Administration. More in the press release.

The Access to Information (ATI) Commission met with President Adama Barrow at State House on 18th March 2025, to discuss efforts to improve public access to information. While progress has been made, challenges remain in fully enforcing the Access to Information Act. More in the publication.

During the first press conference of the year 2025, Minister for Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, announced that the government will launch a campaign titled “Countering Misinformation and Disinformation.” More in the report.

The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, has announced plans to meet the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and local media practitioners to discuss the future of media subvention. More in the news report.

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.