The National Assembly has received media equipment worth D750,000 in a move aimed at opening up parliamentary proceedings and strengthening public access to legislative work.

The donation, funded by the European Union (EU) and delivered through International IDEA, includes professional cameras, lenses and tripods designed to improve the live coverage and documentation of parliamentary sittings and committee engagements.

Presenting the equipment in Banjul, International IDEA Country Director, Mrs. Jainaba Faye, said the support forms part of ongoing efforts to promote accountability and deepen democratic practice in The Gambia.

She explained that limited media tools had been identified as a key challenge affecting the Assembly’s communication and outreach.

“An informed public is central to a healthy democracy. This equipment will help bridge the gap between the National Assembly and the citizens it represents,” she said.

Receiving the items, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kalipha M.M. Mbye, welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and necessary. He noted that parliamentary work must be visible to the people in order to strengthen trust in democratic institutions.

“This support will enhance how we communicate our work and ensure that Gambians can follow debates and decisions that directly affect their lives,” Mr. Mbye said.

He disclosed that the equipment will be used immediately to improve the coverage of plenary sessions and committee activities, making legislative processes more accessible across the country.

The donation supports the Assembly’s 2025–2026 communication and digital transformation agenda, which prioritises transparency, citizen participation and modernisation of parliamentary systems.

The EU and International IDEA have been long-standing partners in democratic governance reforms in The Gambia, supporting institutions aimed at strengthening accountability and public confidence.

By Adama Makasuba