GAF Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Journalists and Safeguarding Peaceful 2026 Elections

By Jarra News Media Staff Reporter

The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to working alongside other security services to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process ahead of the December 2026 Presidential Election.
Speaking at a day-long interface on the safety of journalists before and during elections, the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Gambia Armed Forces, Colonel Lamin K. Sanyang, represented the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Ousman Gomez, at the event organised by the Gambia Press Union (GPU) on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.
The forum brought together members of the security services, journalists and other key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on protecting media practitioners and promoting responsible reporting during the electoral period. According to the organisers, the programme forms part of an election project supported by IFEX, a global network that promotes and defends freedom of expression.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Colonel Sanyang commended the GPU for its foresight in organising the engagement at a crucial moment as the country prepares for the December polls.
He stressed that strengthening public awareness of the respective roles of security institutions, journalists and citizens is essential to creating an environment conducive to free, fair, transparent and credible elections. He noted that an informed and vigilant public remains one of the strongest safeguards against insecurity, instability and conflict.
Colonel Sanyang highlighted the remarkable transformation of the Gambia Armed Forces in recent years, describing ongoing security sector reforms as a testament to the military’s dedication to professionalism, accountability and democratic governance.
He said the reforms have strengthened the Armed Forces into a transparent, effective and disciplined institution that operates under civilian authority, respects the rule of law and international best practices, responds to the aspirations of the Gambian people and continues to honour its international peacekeeping obligations.
Reaffirming the military’s readiness for the forthcoming elections, Colonel Sanyang assured participants that the Gambia Armed Forces will continue working closely with sister security institutions to guarantee a peaceful electoral environment where every Gambian can exercise their democratic rights without fear.
Reflecting on the successful security operations during the 2021 Presidential Election, he recalled Operation DALLAL KHELL, under which the Armed Forces secured border entry and exit points, protected critical national infrastructure, reinforced security at key government institutions, conducted confidence-building patrols across the Greater Banjul Area and coastal communities, and provided operational support to the Gambia Police Force and other security agencies in maintaining law and order while protecting lives and property.
The engagement underscored the growing partnership between the security services and the media in promoting peaceful elections, with participants expressing confidence that continued dialogue and cooperation will contribute significantly to preserving the country’s democratic gains