The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services is right to remind foreign journalists and media organisations operating in The Gambia of their obligation to comply with the country’s laws and regulatory requirements. Journalism, regardless of nationality, must be conducted within a clear legal framework.
Foreign journalists entering The Gambia to cover political, social, economic or other events should obtain the necessary permits and accreditation before commencing professional activities. Compliance is important not only for accountability but also for maintaining professional standards and an orderly media environment.
However, while enforcing these requirements, the government must ensure that the process remains transparent, reasonable and accessible. Accreditation and permits should facilitate legitimate journalism rather than become bureaucratic obstacles designed to discourage critical reporting.
The government’s reaffirmation of its commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression is welcome. But such commitments must be demonstrated in practice. A vibrant democracy depends on journalists being able to report freely, ask difficult questions and scrutinise those in authority without fear of intimidation or arbitrary restrictions.
At the same time, foreign media organisations must recognise that press freedom does not mean exemption from national laws. Participation in a public event does not automatically confer the right to undertake professional journalistic activities without the required authorisation.
The appropriate approach, therefore, is cooperation rather than confrontation. The Ministry should clearly publish the requirements, procedures, fees and timelines for foreign media accreditation and ensure that applications are processed efficiently and fairly.
Foreign journalists should equally respect these procedures and engage the authorities when clarification is needed.
The Gambia has made important gains in strengthening its democratic institutions and media environment. Protecting those gains requires both responsible journalism and responsible regulation. The law must be respected, but its enforcement must never be used as a substitute for openness, transparency and respect for press freedom.
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