14/10/2026
GPU Holds Pre-Election Engagement with Police Officers and Journalists Ahead of Elections
Earlier today, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) held a pre-election deployment engagement with police officers and journalists to enhance safety of journalists ahead of the 2026–2027 election cycle.
The engagement brought together 40 police officers and 30 journalists, including reporters, editors, media managers and representatives of journalists’ associations, to discuss media rights and freedoms, the role of the police during elections, and ways to ensure journalists can carry out their work without fear, intimidation or harassment.
The activity forms part of the GPU’s 12-month project, “Enhancing Physical and Digital Safety of Journalists in The Gambia”, launched in January 2026 with support from IFEX, the global network promoting and defending freedom of expression.
The engagement builds on the GPU’s experience during the 2021 presidential election, when dialogue with security forces and political parties contributed to a safer environment for journalists. No attacks, arrests or detentions of journalists by the police were recorded before, during or immediately after the election, although one photojournalist was physically assaulted by political party militants.
Despite improvements in press freedom since 2017, journalists in The Gambia continue to face challenges, including physical and verbal abuse, intimidation and online threats, particularly when covering politically sensitive events.
Through interactive presentations and discussions, the engagement seeks to strengthen mutual understanding between journalists and the police, clarify their respective roles and responsibilities, and encourage practical measures to prevent incidents during election coverage.
Isatou Keita, President of the Gambia Press Union, stressed the importance of cooperation between the police and journalists during election coverage, urging officers to recognise the role of the media in providing voters with accurate information and reminding both sides that they are partners in ensuring a peaceful election and a informed electoral process.
“To our colleagues in the police: a journalist with a camera or a notebook is not your opponent. They are doing a job that gives the public the information it needs to vote," Kieta said. "To my fellow journalists: the officers deployed on election day have a difficult task too, managing crowds and keeping order. Identify yourselves, know your rights, and communicate. Most problems begin with a misunderstanding.”
Famara Jobarteh, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Peacekeeping Affairs, said that the Gambia Police Force has a duty to protect journalists like any other members of the public.
He urged officers to treat media practitioners professionally, respect their right to carry out lawful duties, and take appropriate action when their safety is at risk.
He added that any restrictions imposed in the interest of public safety should be clearly communicated and applied fairly.
“The position of the Gambia Police Force is clear. The safety of journalists is important and their rights must be respected," Jobarteh said. "Police officers deployed for election duties are expected to act with restrained, impartially, and professionally. They must facilitate the lawful work of journalists while maintaining public order.”
Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Minister for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, said that protecting journalists is a collective responsibility, requiring the cooperation of political parties, candidates, campaign teams, supporters, public officials, security personnel, event organizers, and the general public to ensure media practitioners can carry out their work safely.
“I urge every political actor and supporter to respect the work of media professionals even when a report is critical or questioning is uncomfortable. Disagreement is legitimate in a democracy. Intimidation and violence are not," he Ceesay said.
The October 14th pre-election deployment engagement follows similar engagements held in July 2026 with the police and the army, and political parties on the safety of journalists; and an engagement with state and police prosecutors on the safety of journalists.
The Gambia will hold presidential elections on December 5, 2026 and parliamentary and local government elections in April 2027.
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