The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice welcomes the latest press freedom rankings by Reporters Without Borders, which show significant progress for the Gambia. The country has moved from 58th out of 180 countries in 2025 to 46th in 2026, an impressive gain of 12 places within a year. This is a notable achievement. We commend the Government for sustaining an enabling environment in which journalists and media institutions can operate with greater freedom and safety. This progress is even more meaningful when contrasted with 2017, when the Gambia ranked 143rd, among the lowest globally in press freedom.
Media freedom remains an indispensable pillar of good governance and sustainable development. The Constitution not only guarantees freedom of the media but also assigns the media a public duty to hold the government accountable on behalf of citizens.
The current ranking reflects, in part, the Government’s adherence since 2017 to its fundamental obligation to refrain from interfering with the media. However, progress must not obscure persistent gaps. RSF notes that while the media landscape is expanding, “the government does at times exert pressure on some media outlets” and that there remains “no political will to protect journalists by adopting laws that safeguard their interests.”
Critical legal and policy concerns remain unresolved. Although the Access to Information Act has been enacted, it is yet to be effectively implemented. At the same time, restrictive provisions persist in existing laws. The Information and Communication Act 2009 still contains provisions that criminalize online criticism of public officials, while Section 152 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025, on false publication and broadcasting, poses a direct threat to press freedom despite relevant Supreme Court pronouncements.
EFSCRJ is further concerned about current proposals by the Ministry of Information and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority under the ‘Broadcasting and Online Content Frameworks’ 2026. These measures seek to extend state control over both traditional and digital media spaces and are inconsistent with constitutional guarantees as well as regional and international standards on freedom of expression. In parallel, the continued harassment of journalists remains unacceptable. The case of Momodou Justice Darboe of Jolof News, who was recently assaulted by police while performing his duties illustrates the ongoing risks faced by media practitioners.
In light of these developments, EFSCRJ urges the Government to consolidate recent gains by taking concrete corrective measures. The Broadcasting and Online Content Frameworks 2026 should be withdrawn. All charges against Momodou Justice Darboe must be dropped, and his safety guaranteed. Government should strengthen the Media Council of the Gambia as an independent and effective self-regulatory institution, while removing all content regulation functions from PURA. A comprehensive review of all media-related laws is necessary to align them with regional and international standards, alongside prompt and transparent investigations into all cases of harassment against journalists.
On the economic front, the sustainability of the media sector requires deliberate policy support. We call for tax concessions for media houses, including duty waivers on essential media equipment and materials. Additionally, a statutory public subvention, channeled through the National Assembly and administered by the Media Council, should be established to strengthen the independence and viability of the sector.
While we commend this year’s improved ranking, substantial work remains. The Government must use this momentum to secure a truly free, safe, and independent media environment in the Gambia, one that is not only protected in law but fully realized in practice.
2026: The Year of Empowerment – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership.
