The event showcased the impact of the US Department of State’s Foreign Press Center (FPC) Reporting Tour program, which has given Gambian journalists direct exposure to US democratic institutions, press freedom, and professional reporting standards.
Three Gambian journalists who benefited from the program shared their experiences: Alieu Ceesay of QTV, Omar Bah of The Standard Newspaper, and Kaddijatou Jawo of Malagen. All three traveled to the US to cover key national issues.
Speaking at the forum, Robert Anderson, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy, underscored the 60-year diplomatic ties between the US and The Gambia.
“Our relationship is built on the belief that free peoples, informed by a free press, are the foundation of a just, democratic, and prosperous society,” he said. “Today’s event is one example of US-Gambia exchange focused on journalism that cements the ties between our two countries.”
Jeffrey Weinshenke, Director of Foreign Press Centers in Washington DC, described the forum as a celebration of connecting foreign journalists with US policy and society, the founding mission of the FPC.
“Programs like this matter now more than ever,” he said. “In a noisy, complicated information environment, authentic, fact-based reporting remains critical to keeping citizens informed. I was pleased to see how many participants we’ve had from The Gambia over the past five years.”
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister for Information, Communications and Broadcasting Services, commended the FPC for exposing journalists to international best practices and democratic institutions.
He described the forum as “a celebration of ideas, knowledge exchange, and professional growth.”
“But most importantly, it is about our shared belief that a free, independent, and responsible press is essential to every thriving democracy,” Dr. Ceesay said. “Journalists give voice to the voiceless. They hold institutions accountable. They inform citizens and preserve our collective memory.”
He noted that journalism today faces unprecedented challenges, including the digital revolution which has transformed how information is produced and consumed.
Juldeh Njie, Programme Officer of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), also expressed appreciation to the US Embassy and FPC for investing in Gambian journalists’ professional development.
“Strong democracies rely on informed citizens, and informed citizens rely on a media sector that is professional, ethical, independent, and committed to the truth,” she said.
Njie added that exposure to global best practices strengthens reporting skills and broadens perspectives on issues such as migration, elections, governance, climate, and youth engagement.
She reaffirmed GPU’s commitment to promoting excellence in journalism, defending press freedom, and ensuring journalists can work safely and independently.
