UDP’s Official Photo Directive: A Dangerous Assault on Media Freedom

The recent directive purportedly issued by the United Democratic Party (UDP), instructing media houses to use only officially sanctioned photographs of its National Executive in all reports and publications, is deeply troubling, profoundly undemocratic, and dangerously authoritarian in spirit.

At its core, this move raises a fundamental question: what happens to press freedom when a political party begins to dictate editorial choices? What becomes of media liberty when politicians attempt to control not only narratives but images?

This is not a minor administrative request. It is a direct intrusion into editorial independence, a cornerstone of democratic media practice. In any functioning democracy, media houses reserve the right to select images, headlines, framing, and presentation—guided by professional ethics, not party instructions. Once political actors begin to issue “orders” to the press, democracy itself begins to suffocate.

Yes, governments and political parties may advocate for ethical reporting. Yes, media laws exist to regulate excesses. But these laws are deliberately designed to be self-regulating, enforced through independent institutions—not through party circulars and threats of compliance. When regulation shifts from independent oversight to political control, it ceases to be regulation and becomes sanctioning—100 percent.

What the UDP appears to be saying is simple and alarming: the media is not at liberty to decide for itself. That position is incompatible with democratic governance.

Even more concerning is the selective nature of this so-called “official photo album.” The conspicuous exclusion of Lord Mayoress Rohey Malick Lowe—while photos of other executive members, including Local Government Chairman Yankuba Darboe of the West Coast and Chairman Landing B. Sanneh of LRR, are prominently displayed—raises uncomfortable questions.

Is this an innocent oversight, or a deliberate political signal?

In a party that claims to uphold fairness, inclusivity, and democratic values, such selective visibility undermines internal democracy and fuels suspicion of political intolerance. When a party controls images, it controls relevance. And when it controls relevance, it controls power.

This incident reflects a broader and more dangerous trend: the gradual normalization of political hostility toward independent media. Today it is photos. Tomorrow it may be language. Next, it may be outright censorship disguised as “guidelines.”

The UDP must be reminded—firmly—that media freedom is not granted by political parties. It is a constitutional right, earned through struggle and protected by democratic norms. Any attempt, subtle or overt, to suppress or intimidate the press betrays those norms.

If the UDP believes in democratic governance, it must immediately clarify or withdraw this directive. Silence will only confirm the worst fears: that this is not about standardization, but about control.

A party that cannot tolerate independent media scrutiny cannot credibly claim commitment to democracy. And a government that fears free images today may fear free speech tomorrow.

This development is damaging, alarming, and unacceptable. The media must resist it. Civil society must challenge it. And the UDP must answer for it—clearly, publicly, and without evasion.

Democracy demands nothing less.

BARROW CEMENTS LEGACY AS CHAMPION OF WOMEN WITH BOLD ENTERPRISE FUND LAUNCH IN BUNDUNG

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

In a powerful reaffirmation of visionary leadership and people-centred governance, the National People’s Party (NPP), under the decisive direction of President Adama Barrow, on Saturday unveiled the Success Women Enterprise Fund at its Bundung headquarters—an initiative widely hailed as a transformative intervention for women’s economic liberation in The Gambia.

The landmark launch, marked by a massive turnout of party stalwarts, grassroots women leaders, and members of the public, sent a clear message: under President Barrow’s leadership, women are no longer spectators in national development but central drivers of progress.

Formally inaugurating the Fund, President Barrow—Secretary General and Party Leader of the NPP—declared that the era of sidelining women through financial exclusion is steadily coming to an end. He described the initiative as a deliberate and strategic response to years of economic marginalisation faced by hardworking Gambian women.

Across the country, he noted, women have long carried the burden of sustaining families and communities, yet were denied access to the capital needed to turn effort into prosperity. The Success Women Enterprise Fund, President Barrow emphasized, is designed to break that cycle by providing interest-free financing, business skills support, and real economic opportunities, particularly for women at the grassroots.

He stressed that empowering women is not charity, but smart governance—arguing that nations rise when women are economically strong, families are stable, and communities are productive. According to him, any serious development agenda must place women at its core.

The presence of Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow and First Lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow at the event further underscored the administration’s united and unwavering commitment to women-focused policies that deliver tangible results.

Also delivering strong remarks was Hon. Musa Drammeh, Minister and National President of the NPP, who described the Fund as further evidence that the NPP is a party of action, not empty promises. He noted that while others speak of empowerment, the Barrow-led NPP continues to implement practical solutions that uplift ordinary citizens.

Party officials were emphatic that the Success Women Enterprise Fund is not an isolated gesture, but part of a broader, deliberate national strategy to entrench self-reliance, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development. They reiterated that women empowerment under the NPP is a policy priority, not a slogan.

As The Gambia continues its path toward stability and progress, the National People’s Party reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, good governance, and people-driven development—anchored by the belief that empowering women and strengthening grassroots participation remain the surest path to lasting national transformation.

DLEAG Airport Command Arrests Gambian With 37 Blocks of Suspected Cocaine

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) stationed at the Banjul International Airport have arrested a 31-year-old Gambian national, Mr. Alieu Jeng of Nema Kunku, in connection with suspected drug trafficking.

The arrest took place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at about 20:00 hours, when officers intercepted the suspect while he was heading to the airside area of the airport to offload cargo. Acting on reasonable suspicion, DLEAG operatives conducted a search of the tractor under his control.

During the search, officers discovered 37 blocks of suspected cocaine concealed in two black suitcases and a school bag. Mr. Jeng was later identified as an employee of the NIRO Company.

The suspect is currently in DLEAG custody as investigations into the matter continue.

In a statement, the management of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in The Gambia. The Agency also called on the public to continue supporting and collaborating with law enforcement authorities in the fight against drugs.

“Joshua Mendy’s Empty Rhetoric: Loud Claims, Zero Evidence Against President Barrow”

By Yaya Dampha

NPP Diaspora Coordinator

Joshua Mendy’s attack on President Adama Barrow is not only misleading but intellectually hollow. Labeling the President as “incompetent and clueless” without a shred of evidence exposes the weakness of his argument and the poverty of his political reasoning.

Serious political commentary requires facts, data, and policy comparisons — not loud declarations designed to excite social-media echo chambers. Mr. Mendy’s prediction that Gambians will vote President Barrow out in December 2026 is unsupported by any credible poll, survey, or empirical research. It is nothing more than wishful thinking disguised as analysis.

President Barrow’s Record vs Empty Rhetoric

Contrary to Mr. Mendy’s claims, President Adama Barrow leads with a clear record of delivery, not slogans.

Under his leadership, The Gambia has:

Restored democracy, rule of law, and civil liberties after 22 years of authoritarian rule.

Reintegrated into the international community, unlocking development financing and restoring global credibility.

Recorded sustained economic growth, improved public finance management, and increased infrastructure investment.

Delivered nationwide road networks, schools, hospitals, electricity, and clean water projects that directly impact citizens’ daily lives.

Expanded access to education, healthcare, women empowerment funds, youth employment programs, and agricultural support.

Established key national reform institutions, including the TRRC, strengthening accountability and reconciliation.

These are measurable outcomes visible across the country — not theoretical promises.

The Myth of Ousainou Darboe’s “Superior Competence”

Joshua Mendy presents Lawyer Ousainou Darboe as a credible alternative based almost entirely on longevity in politics. But time spent in politics is not the same as achievement in governance.

In truth, the only clear constitutional or administrative achievement Darboe can legitimately boast of while in government was the scrapping of the 65-year age limit, a constitutional provision that prevented him from becoming Vice President and contesting for president. That amendment served personal political ambition, not national transformation.

Equally revealing is the hypocrisy surrounding electoral reform. The UDP loudly demanded electoral reforms during Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship, yet failed to implement those same reforms when they controlled the National Assembly after 2017. Why? Because they were illusionally confident they would win the 2021 election without reforming the system. That arrogance cost them politically — and exposed a lack of strategic foresight.

During Darboe’s tenure as Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gambians saw no landmark policy reforms, no transformative diplomatic achievements, and no development breakthroughs that justify portraying him as a superior governing alternative.

Gambians Are More Informed Than Mendy Thinks

The Gambian electorate is not naïve. Voters no longer buy political mythology or recycled opposition talking points. They judge leadership by results — roads built, services delivered, freedoms protected, and opportunities created.

President Barrow’s support is grounded in performance and national reach, not nostalgia or personality cults. The NPP remains the most nationally rooted political movement in the country, drawing support across regions, ethnicities, and generations.

Conclusion

Joshua Mendy’s commentary reflects political bias, not serious analysis. If he believes President Barrow lacks leadership or vision, he must present facts, comparative data, and policy evidence — not insults and speculative election outcomes.

The 2026 election will not be decided on Facebook noise or recycled opposition arrogance. It will be decided by Gambians comparing delivery against failure, governance against guesswork, and proven leadership against political entitlement.

President Adama Barrow has a record. His critics have rhetoric. Gambians will decide accordingly.

Editorial: FAKE WEALTH, REAL PRISON TIME. Diaspora Deception Ends in Conviction Over Forged Cash

When fake money is used to impress, the result isn’t admiration—it’s a criminal record.

The Gambian diaspora must understand a simple truth: there is no real-life competition that justifies living a false lifestyle—least of all one that involves carrying forged bank notes. Beyond damaging the Gambian economy, the consequences are severe. The risk of arrest, conviction, and imprisonment is real and high.

That reality came sharply into focus as the Gambia Police Force secured the conviction of Cherno Abdourahman Mendy and Yaya Mendy for purchasing forged bank notes.

The case, Inspector General of Police v. Cherno Abdourahman Mendy and Yaya Mendy, was heard at the Bundung Magistrates’ Court before His Worship Magistrate I. Dibba. Both accused persons are Gambian nationals resident in the United Kingdom.

They were charged with one count of purchasing forged bank notes, contrary to Section 312(b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025.

The prosecution team—Assistant Superintendent of Police L. Badjie and Inspector B. Jarjue—presented the facts of the case and tendered exhibits, all of which were admitted into evidence by the court.

At the conclusion of the trial, the court found both accused persons guilty as charged and sentenced each of them to

A fine of One Hundred Thousand Dalasis (D100,000), or two (2) years’ imprisonment in default; and

Payment of Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dalasis (D450,000) as compensation to eight (8) complainants, or two (2) years’ imprisonment in default.

The court further ordered that all recovered forged bank notes be forfeited to the State and destroyed by the Central Bank of The Gambia.

The Gambia Police Force has once again reaffirmed its commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting the integrity of the nation’s financial system.

€33,500 ‘AFCON Miracle’ Collapses: Self-Styled Marabout Arrested After Mali’s Exit

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

A man who allegedly promised to secure Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) success for Mali in exchange for cash has been arrested following the national team’s quarter-final elimination, in a case that has sparked widespread public outrage.

The suspect, identified as Mr Sinayogo, presented himself as a marabout — a traditional spiritual healer — and claimed he could guarantee victory for the Malian national team. In return, he reportedly collected more than 22 million CFA francs (approximately €33,500) from supporters eager to see Mali lift the continental trophy.

Those hopes were dashed on Friday night when the Eagles were narrowly defeated 1–0 by arch-rivals Senegal, ending their AFCON campaign. The promised triumph failed to materialise, triggering anger among contributors who felt deceived.

Tensions escalated the following day when a crowd gathered outside Sinayogo’s residence in Bamako, demanding explanations and refunds. The situation became increasingly volatile, prompting riot police to intervene and escort him away for his safety.

Shortly afterwards, authorities placed Sinayogo under arrest on suspicion of fraud. He is currently being held by Mali’s Cybercrime Division, highlighting how digital platforms may have been used to solicit funds and promote his claims.

“Charlatanism is an offence under Malian law,” a police official told AFP, confirming the basis of the charges. The official added that making an arrest during the height of the AFCON tournament would have posed significant practical and public-order challenges.

Investigators are now examining Sinayogo’s background, with sources indicating he was previously known as a political activist before abruptly adopting the identity of a spiritual practitioner.

“He declared himself a marabout almost overnight and amassed a considerable sum,” said a social media content creator familiar with the case, suggesting the move was driven by opportunism.

The incident underscores the powerful intersection of football passion, cultural belief and public vulnerability. As Mali reflects on its AFCON disappointment, the country is also confronting a deeper issue — the cost of misplaced trust, counted not in goals conceded, but in money lost.