Organised by Gambia Participates, the dialogue sought to create a platform for lawmakers and media stakeholders to openly discuss the need for legal reforms that promote media freedom, freedom of expression, access to information and digital rights in The Gambia.
The convergence brought together members of the National Assembly’s committees on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters, and Education and ICT, alongside representatives of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), the Media Council and other media stakeholders.
Opening the dialogue, Ansumana Ceesay of Gambia Participates said the engagement was designed to give media organisations the opportunity to share their concerns with lawmakers on restrictive media laws and contribute to discussions on the proposed Communication Bill.
“The purpose of this policy dialogue is to bring the National Assembly members together with media stakeholders to discuss some of the restrictive media laws that the GPU wants repealed,” Ceesay said.
He explained that while lawmakers could not publicly discuss the details of a bill currently before parliamentary committees, they could listen to the concerns and perspectives of stakeholders to better understand the realities of the country’s media landscape.
“We want media stakeholders to have a discussion with lawmakers so that when they are contemplating or debating the Communication Bill, they can put those perspectives into the discussion,” he said.
Ceesay added that the dialogue was intended to strengthen collaboration between Parliament and the media in advancing reforms that promote transparency, accountability and democratic governance.
The programme also featured presentations by the GPU Secretary General on restrictive media laws and proposals for improving the Communication Bill.
Delivering the opening statement on behalf of Gambia Participates, Madi Ceesay, National Assembly Member for Serrekunda West, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step in helping lawmakers better understand complex legislation.
“Our expertise differs from one area to the other. We are not all-rounders, such dialogues enrich our understanding of bills before us, especially for members who are not experts in this area.”
He urged other civil society organisations to organise similar engagements with lawmakers, saying informed discussions would strengthen Parliament’s scrutiny of legislation before it is enacted into law.
Read Other Articles In National News
