Meeting with GPU, Sister Associations and UNDP Peace and Development Advisor | 23 September 2026
The Gambia Press Union (GPU) convened a meeting with UNDP Peace and Development Advisor Ms Aala Ali, selected media institutions, and sister associations at the GPU Office in Tabokoto on 23rd September 2026.
The engagement focused on The Gambia’s electoral context ahead of the 5th December 2026 Presidential Elections, forming part of broader stakeholder discussions on peace, development, and the information environment during the electoral period.
The President of The Gambia Online Media Association (GOMA), Mr Yusef Taylor, represented the association and contributed to the discussions.
During the engagement, the GOMA President highlighted the growing challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech ahead of the elections. He called for increased funding and support for journalists and media professionals to produce FactChecks, FactSheets, and other public-interest content aimed at identifying and countering harmful and misleading information.
He also highlighted efforts already being made by journalists and media organisations to fact-check claims and address misinformation and disinformation, while stressing the need to expand the reach and accessibility of such content.
In particular, he called for greater investment in transforming fact-checking and public-interest information into video content and WhatsApp audio programmes in local languages, allowing more people to access and understand verified information ahead of the elections.
The meeting brought together media stakeholders to discuss the role of the media in promoting accurate information, responsible public discourse, and peaceful elections.
