While we are against any form of violence and disruption to national progress, we also believe that the government must respect the constitutional rights of the people to peaceful demonstration in order to express their grievances against or dissatisfaction with any issues of public interest.
In respect of the constitution, the IGP should allow peaceful demonstration, with the police accompanying the demonstrators to hand their letter of the issues to the rightful authorities. The people should be allowed to exercise their civic rights, even by peaceful demonstration, to the consideration of the authorities.
The release, at the weekend, of the protesters should not be attached to any conditions.
Mr President, it is a good move for the National Assembly to convene an extraordinary session this coming Wednesday and on Thursday to conduct an inquiry into the sale and disposal of assets and properties confiscated from ex-president Jammeh.
There is also a clarion call for security reform, and a reshuffling of your cabinet with much space for women this time round. Currently women are 3 in cabinet and men 20.
Press Freedom
Mr President, press freedom gains must be matched with legal reform.
Since your assumption of office in 2017, The Gambia has made remarkable strides in press freedom. Under your leadership, the country has moved from the darkest days of repression - marked by the killings, disappearances of journalists, and attacks on media houses during the Jammeh era - when The Gambia consistently ranked among the bottom five in Africa. Today, we celebrate our current standing, where we have climbed to 5th in Africa in 2023, 10th in 2024 and we retain the same position of 10th this year on the World Press Freedom Index. These are laudable improvements that affirm your commitment to democratic values. However, to maintain and build on this progress, deeper structural reforms are necessary.
Mr President, if The Gambia is to obtain a better ranking next year and be seen as a genuine beacon of press freedom, you must fulfill the promise you made during your 2016 presidential campaign: abolish the draconian media laws. While some steps have been taken, many problematic provisions - especially those on false publication and broadcasting - still remain. These laws have a chilling effect on journalism and free speech, and their continued existence undermines the gains we have made. Stakeholders, including the Gambia Press Union (GPU), have persistently called for comprehensive media law reform, a message reiterated during the recent World Press Freedom Day commemoration.
Mr President, to create a robust and independent media landscape, the government must fully empower the Media Council of The Gambia to regulate the industry, receive public complaints, and ensure ethical journalism. Self-regulation is a hallmark of mature democracies. The Media Council must be given the legal and financial backing to operate independently and professionally, without interference.
Mr President, the media cannot flourish without adequate support. We urge your government to consider providing media subventions and tax breaks to struggling media houses. Journalism is a public good, and in a fragile democracy like ours, the media plays a vital role in fostering accountability, transparency, and informed citizenry. Financial assistance can help newspapers stay afloat through increased advertising, subscriptions, and improved content. The government should also explore partnerships with media owners to support training and capacity-building initiatives.
Moreover, government officials - especially ministers - must open their doors to the media. Access to information is not just a right; it is a cornerstone of democratic governance. The implementation of the Access to Information law must be accompanied by a culture of openness. Public servants should be encouraged and trained to engage the press proactively and transparently.
Mr President, support for the professional development of journalists must be a national priority. We recommend that your administration partner with the University of The Gambia to facilitate training, curriculum development, and resources for journalism students. A knowledgeable, ethical, and empowered media sector begins in the classroom.
Finally, Mr President, the journey towards a free and vibrant press is ongoing. We have come far from our painful past, but to ensure that The Gambia becomes a model of media freedom in Africa, bold reforms and genuine political will are urgently needed. Let your legacy be one of true media liberation.
Good day!