The Gambia has reiterated its strong commitment to safeguarding information integrity as a cornerstone of democratic governance, human rights, and sustainable development. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Regional Conference on Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel, held from 3–5 September in Praia, Hon. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, delivered a powerful address on behalf of the Government and people of The Gambia.
Hosted by the Government of Cabo Verde in partnership with UNESCO, the conference brings together regional leaders, experts, and policymakers to deliberate on a draft Model Policy Framework for Information Integrity. The framework draws on African Union commitments, ECOWAS protocols, and international human rights standards to guide member states in addressing misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in the digital age.
Highlighting The Gambia’s national progress, Hon. Dr. Ceesay outlined a series of key initiatives:
• Enactment of the Access to Information Act, 2021, which guarantees citizens the right to access information from public authorities, enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.
• Ongoing reforms in data protection, cybersecurity, and digital rights, aimed at building trust in digital systems and protecting personal data.
• Implementation of digital and media literacy programmes, particularly targeting women, youth, and marginalized groups, to strengthen critical engagement in the digital space.
Finally, the institutional strengthening of the Information Commission, to promote proactive disclosure and greater openness across government sectors.
“The Gambia strongly supports the adoption of this regional Model Policy Framework,” Dr. Ceesay emphasized, adding that disinformation is a transnational threat that demands a collective and coherent regional response.
The Gambia pledged to work closely with regional and international partners to harmonize strategies, particularly in the context of elections and crisis response, while ensuring that all measures respect freedom of expression and human rights.
“As we deliberate in the coming days, The Gambia stands ready to play its part. Together, let us strengthen the integrity of information as a shared public good, vital to peace, democracy, and inclusive development,” concluded Dr. Ceesay.
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