Demba Ali Jawo is a highly respected Gambian journalist, media reformist, and public servant with a decades-long career devoted to advancing press freedom, freedom of expression, and media integrity across West Africa. He served as the Minister of Information and Communications Infrastructure of The Gambia following his appointment by President Adama Barrow in February 2016, becoming a central figure in the country’s democratic transition after years of authoritarian rule.
Before entering public office, Mr. Jawo built a stellar reputation as a journalist, editor, and activist. He served as President of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), the country’s leading journalists’ body, during one of the most repressive periods under former President Yahya Jammeh. In this role, he became a vocal critic of state censorship and an outspoken advocate for press freedoms, fearlessly defending journalists’ rights and free speech.
Mr. Jawo worked with some of the most prominent media houses in The Gambia, including The Daily Observer and The Independent, and later became editor of the English desk of the Senegal-based African Press Agency (APANEWS). Notably, he chose to leave the Daily Observer when it was taken over by the Jammeh regime—an act that symbolized his unwavering stance on editorial independence and ethical journalism.
As an author and commentator, Mr. Jawo co-authored a landmark book on Deyda Hydara, the slain editor of The Point newspaper, whose assassination became a symbol of the fight for press freedom in The Gambia. Through his writings, public commentary, and policy advocacy, he has consistently championed transparency, civic rights, and media development.
Demba Ali Jawo remains one of West Africa’s most trusted voices on media governance, democratic reform, and journalistic ethics. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of journalists and reformers committed to building accountable, open societies.