The Gambia journalists receive training ahead of December elections

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and The Gambia Press Union (GPU) have launched a three-day training program for 25 journalists to prepare for the upcoming presidential election on December 5. Funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), the initiative focuses on election reporting, safety, disinformation, and hate speech.

Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay emphasized the importance of the training, noting that election periods often involve heightened political tensions and increased risks for media professionals. He urged journalists to prioritize accuracy over speed and to rely on official results from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to avoid spreading unverified information that could trigger violence.

GPU President Isatou Keita highlighted the need for journalists to work without intimidation or harassment, regardless of the political candidates they cover. She called for media houses to provide balanced coverage of political campaigns to help voters understand candidate platforms, while cautioning against the amplification of inflammatory content.