As risks against journalists persist in the country, participants of the recent Gambia Press Union’s (GPU) Hazardous Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) have revealed that the programme has become a critical lifeline, equipping them with skills that could mean the difference between safety and serious harm.‍

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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 Gambia Online Media Association (GOMA) has elected an Interim Committee (IC) with a one-year mandate to steer the affairs of the Association and engage various stakeholders, including the public, government, sister institutions, and partners.

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The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has launched three major media policy documents aimed at strengthening professionalism, ethics, and accountability in journalism, with its President, Ms Isatou Keita, urging journalists to strictly comply with the new frameworks to rebuild and safeguard public trust in the media.

More in the news report.