GPU Condemns Troubling Remarks of Gambian President on Press Freedom and Democracy

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has strongly condemned recent remarks by President Adama Barrow, warning that his statements pose a serious threat to press freedom and democracy in the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of a new National People’s Party (NPP) bureau in Wassu, Central River Region North, President Barrow expressed frustration over the state of democracy in Gambia, stating that it had “reached an excessive point, with people freely expressing their opinions without accountability.” He further warned, “I will talk to the Inspector General of Police; those who want to burn this country will be arrested and detained.”

In a separate speech on October 3, during the inauguration of another NPP bureau in Jarra Soma, Lower River Region, Barrow doubled down on his stance, vowing to crack down on insults in the media and online. “No one will be allowed to insult others in The Gambia without facing consequences. Even on the radio, if someone calls in and engages in insulting behavior, we will take appropriate action, including arresting the owner of the radio station,” he declared in Mandinka. He added, “On social media, we will put an end to the practice of insulting others. Even if individuals are released on bail by a judge, we will re-arrest them.”

President Barrow also escalated his rhetoric against the country’s main opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), labeling it “the biggest threat to national security.” His threats to arrest radio station owners and re-arrest individuals granted bail by the courts have sparked alarm among journalists, civil society groups, and opposition figures.