The Gambia Press Union has raised alarm over growing threats to press freedom, restrictive media laws, and attacks on journalists in The Gambia during the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul.

Delivering the statement on behalf of the GPU, Secretary General Modou S. Joof acknowledged improvements in the country’s global press freedom ranking while warning that serious challenges still remain.

“We recognised significant improvements made in The Gambia’s ranking in the RSF’s Global Press Freedom Index this year at 46th position out of 180 countries and 8th position in Africa,” the GPU stated.

Despite the progress, the union said there are still “significant challenges of press freedom and freedom of expression,” including harassment and intimidation of journalists, legal threats against media practitioners, restrictive legislation, and delays in implementing the Access to Information Act, 2021.

The GPU cited several incidents involving journalists, including arrests during protests, alleged assaults by security officers, and legal action against media practitioners and outlets.

The union also expressed concern over provisions contained in the proposed Cybercrime Bill, 2023 and Communications Bill, 2025, arguing that the laws could undermine media independence and freedom of expression.

“The Cybercrime Bill, 2023… creates the offence of ‘false news online’ and significant police and surveillance powers that are not subject to judicial or similar independent oversight,” the statement noted.

The GPU further criticised the proposed Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations, 2026, saying the regulations seek to establish “a general State system of registration or licensing of journalists.”

According to the union, such provisions are incompatible with constitutional protections on freedom of expression and media independence.

The GPU additionally lamented the slow implementation of the Access to Information Act, 2021, stating that journalists and citizens continue to face difficulties accessing public information.

In its recommendations, the union urged the Gambian government to investigate attacks on journalists, stop harassment and intimidation of media practitioners, review restrictive media laws, and fully implement the Access to Information law.

“Put an end to impunity for violent attacks on journalists by investigating and prosecuting physical assault on journalists,” the GPU urged.

By Adama Makasuba