At the state broadcaster, women occupy only about 20 percent of leadership positions. At a leading print newspaper, the figure rises slightly to 25 percent. At a major online news outlet, women are completely absent from leadership.

“For years, I watched talented women enter Gambian journalism, work hard, and somehow never reach the top,” Drammeh said. “I wanted to understand why.”

His research, based on in-depth interviews with 17 women journalists, editors, and key informants across three media organisations, suggests the barriers are not isolated incidents but a system one shaped by opaque promotion structures, gendered assignment patterns, workplace harassment, weak institutional protection, and socio-cultural expectations that quietly shape newsroom decisions.

Women make up 37 percent of The Gambia’s media workforce, according to Gambia Press Union data from 2020. Yet their presence steadily diminishes as positions become more influential.

“The problem is not a lack of talent or qualifications,” Drammeh explained. “The problem is that the system rewards visibility, relationships, and informal power more than merit.”

A System Without a Map

Across newsrooms, women described promotion processes that are rarely written down, formally explained, or transparently communicated.

Advancement, they said, often depends on who is noticed, who is connected, and who fits into informal newsroom networks rather than clearly defined performance criteria.

A senior female journalist at the state broadcaster described promotions as largely influenced by longevity or personal relationships. Another journalist said she was never told what progression in her career should look like. At an online outlet, a reporter admitted she had no understanding of what promotion even entailed.

At a print newspaper, a young journalist said she felt “lost,” explaining that no one had ever outlined a pathway for upward mobility.

In this environment, career progression becomes less of a structured journey and more of a guessing game one that disadvantages those without access to informal networks of influence.

The Politics of Assignment

In journalism, assignment is power.

The beats journalists are given determine their visibility, credibility, travel opportunities, and ultimately their readiness for leadership.

Yet the study found that high-impact assignments  politics, presidential coverage, major national events remain largely dominated by men.

Women journalists repeatedly described being channelled toward “soft” beats such as health, education, and women’s issues, while men were assigned to politics, presidential reporting, and high-profile national coverage.

One senior journalist at the state broadcaster said male colleagues routinely covered the President and Vice President, along with international travel assignments linked to those roles. Another journalist said female reporters were often passed over for overseas training opportunities without explanation.

At a newspaper, a senior reporter who has spent over a decade covering women and children’s issues said she had even seen male colleagues assigned to cover the Ministry of Gender and women-focused conferences.

“It keeps happening,” she said.

Drammeh said the impact is cumulative and deeply structural.

“When women are consistently denied high-visibility assignments, they are later judged as lacking experience despite never being given the opportunity to gain it,” he said.

Harassment and Silence in the Workplace

Perhaps the most disturbing finding in the study relates to workplace harassment.

Gambia Press Union research cited in the study indicates that sexual harassment remains prevalent in the media sector. A Women Journalists Association leader told researchers that at least half of women journalists reported having experienced some form of harassment.

Yet reporting remains low.

“Women are afraid to report because they fear retaliation,” Drammeh said. “They fear losing opportunities, being blacklisted, or being blamed.”

Some media houses reportedly lack formal harassment policies altogether. Others have policies on paper but little trust in enforcement.

At one broadcaster, a journalist noted that while maternity leave policies exist, protections against harassment require far stronger implementation. At another outlet, senior reporters confirmed there was no formal sexual harassment policy in place.

The result is silence a culture where women are forced to absorb harm quietly in order to protect their careers.

Assumptions That Shape Careers

Beyond formal systems, the study highlights another powerful barrier: assumption.

Newsroom decisions are often shaped by unspoken beliefs about women’s availability and suitability for certain roles.

Editors frequently assume that married women or mothers cannot handle late-night assignments, travel-heavy beats, or breaking news schedules without ever asking them directly.

One journalist at the state broadcaster said her assignments were routinely adjusted based on assumptions about her family responsibilities.

“They decided my availability without even asking me,” she said.

Drammeh described this as one of the most subtle but powerful forms of exclusion  not always visible as discrimination, but deeply influential in shaping career trajectories.

Surviving, Not Advancing

The study also situates gender inequality within the broader economic fragility of the media industry.

Low salaries, unstable revenue streams, and limited institutional support make journalism a survival profession for many.

But the burden is heavier for women, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities.

One journalist, a single mother with experience across three countries, captured this reality starkly:

“If you are just surviving, you cannot build a career.”

The statement reflects a wider truth that economic insecurity limits ambition, narrows opportunity, and filters out those without external support systems.

Two Realities in One Newsroom

One of the most striking contradictions in the study is the gap between management perceptions and women journalists’ lived experiences.

Some editors insist gender equality exists within their organisations. Others argue that women are less prepared or lack the necessary academic qualifications. In some cases, women are told they remain in journalism due to lack of alternative options.

But women in the study describe a different reality: opaque promotions, unequal assignments, informal exclusion, and systemic barriers to advancement.

Drammeh says this disconnect is itself part of the problem.

“If those in leadership do not see inequality, then change becomes impossible,” he said. “Women are forced to prove discrimination exists before it is addressed.”

Women Responding to the System

Despite these barriers, women journalists are not passive participants in the system.

Some are investing in further education and professional training to become indispensable. Others are learning to strategically navigate newsroom politics to secure opportunities.

In one case, a journalist secured a parliamentary correspondent role only after presenting a detailed portfolio and formally requesting a meeting with her editor.

Others are choosing a different path altogether  building their own platforms.

One senior journalist is reportedly preparing to launch an independent media house, a move Drammeh describes as an “entrepreneurial exit.”

“It is the ultimate act of agency,” he said. “But it also raises a difficult question: what happens to traditional newsrooms when their most talented women leave?”

Voices from the Industry

The findings of the study are echoed by media practitioners and industry leaders.

Isatou Keita, President of the Gambia Press Union, said the underrepresentation of women in leadership remains one of the media sector’s most persistent challenges.

She noted that while women continue to contribute significantly as reporters, presenters, producers, and editors, their progression into senior roles is still limited by deep-rooted stereotypes and informal systems of promotion.

“Women are often expected to prove themselves more than their male counterparts,” she said, “and are frequently overlooked despite having the qualifications and experience required for leadership.”

Keita also highlighted structural challenges such as lack of mentorship, weak institutional support for work-life balance, and inconsistent promotion practices.

She stressed the need for clear, transparent, and merit-based systems, alongside mentorship and leadership development programmes to support women’s advancement.

Similarly, Anette Anta Camara, President of the Women Journalists Association of The Gambia, said leadership spaces remain heavily influenced by unconscious bias, workplace harassment, and unequal access to opportunity.

She warned that exclusion of women from editorial leadership directly affects newsroom priorities and the diversity of stories told.

“When women are excluded, critical issues such as gender-based violence, maternal health, and social justice are often underreported or poorly framed,” she said.

Binta Jawo, a female journalist, shared her personal experience of being routinely assigned to lifestyle stories while male colleagues were given political and investigative beats.

She said she had to actively request more challenging assignments to prove her capability.

“I would like to see mentorship programmes and clear promotion pathways that are accessible to all,” she said.

The Unseen Ceiling

picture of Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Drammeh’s conclusion is both stark and urgent: the underrepresentation of women in Gambian media leadership is not a question of ability, but of structure.

“This study shows that women’s absence from leadership is not due to lack of talent but to a layered system,” he said, “and a dangerous perceptual gap where editors do not see what their staff experience.”

He argues that the implications extend far beyond newsroom equity.

“Advancing gender equality in journalism is not just fairness,” he said. “It is a democratic necessity. A media that excludes women’s voices and leadership cannot fully serve society or hold power to account.”

The study ultimately reveals a profession at a crossroads  one where talent is abundant, but opportunity is unevenly distributed; where women are visible, but not powerful; and where equality exists more in perception than in practice.

Until that gap is closed, Drammeh warns, the ceiling in Gambian media will remain intact invisible to some, exhausting to others, and costly to journalism itself.

“We advise Gambians to maintain peace and stability so that we will organise a very successful election an election that is peaceful, transparent and recognised by the international community,” he added.  

The President also addressed the Middle East conflict, stressing that “dialogue is the only way forward” and that “our religion is a religion that preaches peace.”  

In a separate Eid message, UDP leader Ousainu Darboe echoed the call for unity, saying the festival should inspire reconciliation and compassion beyond politics.  

“Our strength as a nation lies in our ability to live together in peace despite our differences,” Darboe said. He urged respect for diverse opinions, faiths, and ethnic backgrounds, noting that Eid’s traditions of sacrifice and charity should “strengthen ties across communities.”  

“As we share the blessings of Eid, let us also share kindness, forgiveness, and solidarity,” Darboe added.  

Eid-ul-Adha was observed nationwide on May 27 with prayers, sacrifices, and charitable acts. With elections approaching, both leaders framed tolerance and peaceful coexistence as essential to protecting The Gambia’s democratic gains.

The Gambia has not yet indicated whether it will back the bid. State House in Banjul has made no public comment.  

Meanwhile, Faye’s domestic alliance with Ousmane Sonko has unraveled. Sonko, ousted as prime minister on May 22, announced Monday that his Pastef party “will not participate in the next government and will not be represented by any ministers,” citing “points of disagreement” with Faye.  

Hours later, new Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo named a 30-member cabinet that still included at least three Pastef members, contradicting Sonko’s statement. Cheikh Diba retained the finance portfolio, now expanded to include the economy, as Senegal negotiates with the IMF to restart a frozen $1.8 billion program.  

The IMF suspended lending in 2024 after discovering misreported debt that pushed Senegal’s debt-to-GDP to 132%. Talks are set to resume the week of June 8, with Dakar aiming for an agreement by June 30.  

Sonko, reinstated as MP and elected parliament speaker last week with 132 of 165 votes, has signaled strong oversight of the executive. A vocal IMF critic, he has dismissed debt restructuring. Analysts warn his new role could constrain Faye’s ability to meet IMF reform demands.  

As Faye lobbies for regional influence with Diop’s ECOWAS bid, he must also manage a fragmented home front and a debt crisis that threatens Senegal’s economy.

“I shall be voluntarily retiring from the office of Chief Justice with effect from 01 August 2026,” he stated.

He further extended gratitude to all judicial officers and staff for their commitment “within and outside the courtrooms,” noting that their service has been “a very valuable contribution to the continuous turning of the wheels of justice.”

Urging continued dedication to duty, the outgoing Chief Justice called on members of the Judiciary not to relent in their efforts but to strengthen their resolve in ensuring that justice in The Gambia remains both independent and efficient.

“My heart, my thoughts and my prayers shall always be with you and the Judiciary,” he added.

The announcement has triggered widespread reflection across legal, academic, and civic circles, with many describing his retirement as the conclusion of a defining era in Gambian jurisprudence.

Chief Justice Jallow’s career spans decades of service at both national and international levels. He previously served as Solicitor General, Attorney General, and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, where he played a key role in shaping the country’s early legal and institutional framework.

Beyond national service, he rose to international prominence as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, serving at the rank of United Nations Under-Secretary-General, where he was involved in prosecuting some of the gravest crimes against humanity.

He later returned to The Gambia in 2017 to assume the office of Chief Justice, where he was widely credited with strengthening judicial independence, restoring institutional confidence, and reinforcing the professionalism of the courts.

Legal observers and commentators have consistently described his tenure as one marked by restraint, integrity, and a deep respect for the rule of law, with many noting that his leadership helped elevate public confidence in the judiciary.

Paying tribute to his legacy, Hassan Gibril, a close friend, former classmate, and compatriot, described Chief Justice Jallow as “a scaled servant of the nation whose life is a quiet but unyielding testament to justice, integrity, and service.”

He said Chief Justice Jallow’s retirement should not be viewed merely as an exit from public office, but as “the setting of a standard for generations to come.”

Gibril further reflected that the retiring Chief Justice represents a rare example of lifelong dedication to principle, stating that his journey reflects “the arc of a life in service to law, conscience, and country.”

According to him, Chief Justice Jallow’s legacy is not defined by titles or positions held, but by the consistency of his moral compass across both national and international stages.

“He leaves behind no monuments of stone,” Gibril said, “but something far more enduring: a judiciary that understands independence, and a nation reminded that justice is both a duty and a moral responsibility.”

As Chief Justice Jallow prepares to step down, tributes continue to pour in, reflecting deep respect for a jurist whose influence has shaped both domestic legal reform and international criminal justice.

His retirement marks not only the end of a tenure, but also the continuation of a legacy that will remain deeply embedded in The Gambia’s judicial history for generations to come.

All praise belongs to Allah Almighty, Lord of all the worlds, who has once again granted us the opportunity to witness the blessed occasion of Eidul Adha. May peace and blessings be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad^(saw), his family, his companions, and all those who follow the path of righteousness until the Day of Judgment.

Eidul Adha is not merely a celebration marked by the sacrifice of animals, festive meals, or new garments. Rather, it is a profound spiritual occasion that reminds humanity of the unmatched obedience, sincerity, sacrifice, and devotion displayed by Prophet Ibrahim^(as), Prophet Ismail^(as), and Hazrat Hajar^(as). Their examples teach us that true faith requires complete submission to the will of Allah Almighty and the readiness to sacrifice our personal desires for higher moral and spiritual purposes. Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Qur’an:

“It is not their flesh nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your righteousness that reaches Him.” (Surah Al-Hajj, Chapter 22:38)

This beautiful verse reminds us that the essence of Eidul Adha lies in righteousness, piety, and inner transformation. The true sacrifice that Allah Almighty desires from us is the sacrifice of arrogance, hatred, selfishness, dishonesty, corruption, injustice, and all forms of moral weakness that divide our societies and weaken our relationship with our Creator.

Therefore, this blessed occasion should serve as a time of deep reflection and self-reformation. Every individual should ask himself or herself: Have I fulfilled the rights of Allah Almighty and the rights of His creation? Have I become a source of peace and comfort for my family, neighbours, and society? Am I contributing positively toward national unity, development, harmony, and moral upliftment?

The Holy Qur’an reminds believers:

“Surely, Allah changes not the condition of a people until they change that which is in their hearts.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, Chapter 13:12)

This divine principle teaches us that genuine progress begins with personal reform. If we desire peace in our homes, honesty in our institutions, prosperity in our nation, and stability in our society, then each individual must strive to reform his or her conduct, speech, and dealings with others.

At a time when the world is witnessing increasing division, conflicts, intolerance, moral decline, and economic hardship, the message of Eidul Adha becomes even more relevant. We must revive the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, patience, and mutual respect. Families should use this occasion to strengthen bonds of love and forgiveness. Communities should put aside hatred, jealousy, and disputes. Neighbours should care for one another, especially the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the vulnerable.

Islam places immense importance on unity and brotherhood. Allah the Almighty says:

“And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah and be not divided…”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Chapter 3:104)

This commandment is not only for Muslims but carries a universal lesson for all humanity. National development and social peace can only flourish where there is unity, mutual understanding, and respect for one another. The Gambia has long been admired as a peaceful and tolerant nation where people of different tribes, cultures, and religions coexist harmoniously. We must preserve and strengthen this noble tradition.

In this regard, we urge all Gambians to reject all forms of division, tribalism, hatred, political hostility, and irresponsible speech that threaten our social fabric. Let us remember that our diversity should be a source of strength and beauty, not conflict and division. We are all sons and daughters of one nation, and we share a collective responsibility to safeguard the peace and stability of our country.

The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V^{(May Allah be his Helper)} has repeatedly emphasized the importance of compassion, unity, and moral reform. He states:

“Peace can only be established when mankind recognises its Creator and fulfils the rights owed to one another.”

These noble words are valuable principles for all people who desire a peaceful and prosperous society.

As we celebrate Eidul Adha, let us remember those who are struggling due to poverty, illness, displacement, or loneliness. The spirit of sacrifice demands that we share our blessings with others. The Holy Prophet Muhammad^(saw) taught that a true believer is one who desires for his brother what he desires for himself. Therefore, let us extend kindness and generosity to all, regardless of social status, tribe, or religious background.

Parents should also use this blessed occasion to nurture moral and spiritual values within their homes. Children must be taught honesty, discipline, respect for elders, love for humanity, and fear of Allah Almighty. Strong families produce strong communities, and strong communities produce strong nations.

Furthermore, we call upon our youths to become ambassadors of peace, morality, and positive change. Avoid the destructive influences of drugs, crime, immorality, hatred, and social media abuse. Instead, dedicate your energies toward education, self-development, service to humanity, and the progress of our beloved nation.

We also pray for the continued peace, security, and development of The Gambia. May Allah guide our leaders with wisdom and justice, bless our farmers and workers with prosperity, protect our youths from harmful influences, and unite us all in mutual love and understanding.

On this joyous occasion of Eidul Adha, let us renew our commitment to faith, sacrifice, compassion, and national unity. Let us strive to become better Muslims, better citizens, and better human beings.

At the end, we are hereby extending to you the warmest salaam, love, prayers and EID MUBARAK of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^{(May Allah be his Helper)}, the Spiritual and Supreme Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at the Gambia, we humbly wish you all EID MUBARAK.

In a statement issued on Monday, GALA said it had taken note of NAWEC’s latest explanation for the nationwide electricity crisis but argued that the utility’s own statement exposed deeper problems within the country’s energy sector.

“June 19th is a deadline for accountability, The Government and NAWEC must act now or face the collective voice of Gambians demanding change and responsible leadership.”

According to GALA, NAWEC’s admission that The Gambia remains heavily dependent on imported electricity and lacks sufficient backup generation capacity raises serious concerns about planning and management within the sector.

“Backup systems are meant for emergencies. If they are unavailable during a national crisis, then the institutions responsible have failed in their duty to the Gambian people,” the statement said.

The movement argued that the current electricity problems cannot be blamed solely on regional supply challenges and technical difficulties. Instead, it described the crisis as the result of years of poor planning, weak preparedness and inadequate management.

For years, GALA noted, Gambians have been promised reliable electricity, yet businesses continue to lose money, students are forced to study in darkness, health facilities face disruptions and households endure repeated outages.

“The Gambian people deserve more than explanations and apologies. They deserve transparency, accountability, and concrete solutions,” the statement said.

GALA further called for those responsible for repeated failures in the electricity sector to be held accountable and urged authorities to inform the public about measures being taken to prevent future crises.

The movement said it stands with citizens affected by the power cuts and called on both the Government and NAWEC to stop the cycle of excuses and start delivering results.

“Enough excuses, enough failures The Gambian people deserve accountability, reliable electricity, and a government that works in their interest.”

In light of the foregoing, the Embassy strongly urges all affected individuals to promptly contact Office of Child Support Enforcement or the relevant child support agency in the state where the arrears are owed in order to arrange for repayment of any outstanding obligations and avoid the possibility of passport revocation.

The Embassy further wishes to emphasise that once a U.S. passport has been revoked on account of child support arrears, the passport does not automatically regain its validity even following settlement of the outstanding debt. Individuals who have fully settled their arrears should take proactive steps to follow up with the relevant state authorities and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that their names are removed from the child support arrears registry.

Please note that the verification and clearance process may take approximately two to three weeks following confirmation of payment. Upon completion of this process, the individual’s eligibility to apply for and obtain a new U.S. passport may be restored.

The Embassy encourages all concerned persons to address any outstanding child support obligations without delay in order to avoid disruptions to their travel documentation or related services.

For further inquiries, please contact the competent U.S. authorities at the following numbers: 1‑877‑487‑2778 or 1‑888‑874‑7793.

Issued by Embassy of The Gambia in Washington D.C.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ms. Eva Jenkner, held discussions in Banjul from April 22-May 6, 2026, and via remotely thereafter, under the 2026 Article IV Consultation. A staff-level agreement was reached on the fifth review of the program supported under the 36-month ECF arrangement approved in January 2024 for total access of SDR 74.64 million (about US$102.2 million). This agreement, which includes a six-month extension of the ECF arrangement to July 2027 along with an augmentation of access by SDR 12.44 million (about US$17.0 million) to help address current challenges stemming from the war in the Middle East, is contingent on the implementation of the prior actions agreed and is subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board. The agreement would enable a disbursement of SDR 6.22 million (about US$8.5 million), bringing the total disbursement under the ECF arrangement to SDR 55.97 million (about US$76.6 million).

A staff-level agreement was also reached on the second review under the 18-month RSF arrangement approved in June 2025 for total access of SDR 46.65 million (about US$63.9 million). This would enable a disbursement of SDR 10.36 million (about US$14.2 million) bringing the total disbursement under the RSF to SDR 25.9 million (about US$35.5 million). This agreement also includes an extension of the RSF arrangement by six months, to July 2027, to allow more time for implementing these important reform measures. The IMF Executive Board is tentatively scheduled to meet in early July 2026.

At the conclusion of the discussions, Ms. Jenkner issued the following statement:

“Economic recovery remains strong, while inflation has decelerated. Real GDP growth is estimated at 6.0 percent in 2025, supported by agriculture and construction. Tourist arrivals and remittance inflows remained robust. After peaking at 18.5 percent (year-over-year) in September 2023, headline inflation reached 7.0 percent (year-over-year) in April 2026 due to lower global food and energy prices over most of the period. However, headline inflation remains above the central bank’s medium-term target of 5 percent, and the impact on inflation of higher commodity prices due to the ongoing war in the Middle East has started to emerge. The war is expected to affect significantly the macroeconomic outlook and amplify domestic risks in 2026 and beyond.

“Fiscal performance in 2025 was weaker than anticipated. Tax revenue overperformed, but spending exceeded targets due to unbudgeted spending on transfers, arrears payments, emergency subsidies for the National Water and Electricity Company Limited, and emergency support to the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation. This resulted in a larger-than-expected fiscal deficit of 5 percent of GDP. Public debt reached about 79 percent of GDP in 2025 and remains sustainable. Given limited fiscal buffers, fiscal policy will need to remain prudent while managing the challenging impact of the war in Iran which will require the reallocation of some expenditure.

“Five out of seven quantitative performance criteria (QPCs) for end-December 2025 were met. Two QPCs were missed by a large margin mainly due to expenditure overruns. All indicative targets were met. Out of six structural benchmarks, five benchmarks to improve public financial management, statistics and financial sector stability have been completed, and the last measure is expected to be taken within the coming weeks.

“The Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) should keep a tight policy stance and incorporate forward-looking analysis to bring inflation back to its medium-term target of 5 percent. The exchange rate should be determined by market forces by limiting foreign exchange market interventions to the mitigation of excessive market volatility and to reserve accumulation. The CBG is strongly encouraged to focus on its core mandate and cease any financial assistance, whether directly or indirectly, to the public sector. The ongoing revision of the CBG Act should reflect these principles. The banking sector remains sound, though high exposure to the public sector deserves scrutiny.

“The government is encouraged to strengthen its reform agenda on governance and anti-corruption, to facilitate access to public information and to promote conditions for private investment-led growth. The establishment of the anti-corruption commission would be a positive signal.

“From a climate perspective, the authorities are now equipped to incorporate analysis of fiscal risks into their budget process and identified a window of opportunity to implement a carbon-based excise, which will in the short term reduce the fiscal burden on fuels and align fuel prices with carbon content once prices return to more moderate levels.

“The IMF will continue to work closely with the Gambian authorities and stands ready to help them through financing, policy advice, and strong technical assistance.”