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ADNews Banjul, The Gambia: The Gambia’s Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, under the leadership of Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has issued a warning to what it says are foreign journalists operating in the West African country without required authorization.
By Ismaila M.S Naban
The warning comes at a time when The Gambia has witnessed massive night protests in the city and several towns over serious power outages the country is currently experiencing.
As per the release, the ministry, while falling short of naming any foreign media entities, said it “has taken note of reports that some foreign journalists and media practitioners have recently been operating in The Gambia and covering events without obtaining the required permits, accreditation, or authorization in accordance with applicable laws and regulations”. The release indicates that all foreign journalists and media organizations that intend to undertake journalistic activities in The Gambia ” are required to comply fully with the country’s applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining any necessary permits or accreditation before commencing their professional activities”.
It went on: “The Ministry therefore directs all foreign journalists operating without the requisite authorization to cease such activities forthwith and to regularize their status through the appropriate channels.
“The Ministry further cautions media organizations and individual journalists against assuming that participation in, or coverage of, public events exempts them from the applicable legal and regulatory requirements governing foreign media operations in The Gambia.”
The Ministry warns that any individual or organization found to be operating in violation of these requirements will be subject to appropriate action in accordance with the laws of The Gambia.
“The Ministry wishes to emphasize that the Government of The Gambia remains firmly committed to freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and the legitimate work of journalists, both domestic and international. These freedoms, however, operate within the framework of the law, and compliance with established procedures is essential to ensuring an orderly, professional, and accountable media environment.
Foreign journalists and media organizations seeking to operate in The Gambia are therefore encouraged to engage the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services through the appropriate channels to obtain clarification and fulfil all requirements”, it indicated.
Despite the warning, Dr. Ceesay’s ministry discloses that it would continue to work with the media fraternity to facilitate legitimate journalistic work, while ensuring full compliance with the laws and regulations of the Republic of The Gambia.
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