The Gambia has retained its position at 58 out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), with a score of 65.49.

This year’s index shows little change from 2024, as the country continues to navigate challenges despite notable progress since the end of Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule.

According to RSF, The Gambia has seen significant improvements in press freedom since 2017.

Defamation was declared unconstitutional in 2018, media pluralism has increased, and attacks against journalists have declined.

However, the government still occasionally exerts pressure on critical outlets, and outdated media laws remain in place.

In 2024, The Voice newspaper’s editor-in-chief was arrested following a complaint by the president, highlighting ongoing concerns around legal protections for journalists.

Despite adopting the Access to Information Act in 2021, the legislation is yet to be implemented.

Economically, media outlets face mounting pressure due to high operational costs and limited government support, though a modest subsidy was introduced in 2020.

RSF also noted a decrease in physical threats to journalists, citing historic convictions abroad of former regime officials for crimes against journalists.

However, Yahya Jammeh has yet to be extradited to face justice.

While press freedom has improved since the Jammeh era, RSF warns that the lack of strong legislative safeguards and ongoing legal threats continue to cast a shadow over the country’s media landscape.

By Adama Makasuba