Journalists, media workers, and activists across The Gambia on Sunday commemorated World Press Freedom Day 2026 under the theme “Honouring Our Legends, Defending Our Freedom.”
The event, organised by the Gambia Press Union in collaboration with the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication, brought together media stakeholders to reflect on the sacrifices of veteran journalists and renew calls for stronger protection for press freedom.
During the opening ceremony, participants paid tribute to Gambian media pioneers who faced censorship, detention, and exile in the struggle for free expression. The theme underscored the link between past struggles and current challenges, including access to information, the safety of journalists, and the economic sustainability of independent media.
The President of the Gambia Press Union, Isatou Keita, highlighted ongoing threats facing the press, ranging from online harassment to restrictive laws. She called on authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees of press freedom and ensure that attacks on journalists are investigated and prosecuted.
The commemoration included panel discussions, testimonies from veteran reporters, and a moment of silence for journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty.
World Press Freedom Day is observed globally every 3 May to raise awareness of the importance of press freedom and to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
