Paragraph 1: A Defining Moment for Gambian Democracy
There are moments in the life of a nation when the choices made by its people carry extraordinary weight, and the approaching 2026 presidential election in The Gambia is precisely such a moment. As the country prepares to go to the polls, the need for accurate, trustworthy information has never been more urgent. Yet in this digital age, the very tools that connect us can also be used to divide us, manipulate us, and blur the line between truth and falsehood. It is in this context that DUBAWA, the flagship fact-checking initiative of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), has announced an intensive Elections Fact-Checking and Verification Capacity-Building Programme. Scheduled for the 14th and 15th of October in the capital city of Banjul, this two-day training is designed to equip journalists, bloggers, and civic actors with the skills they need to navigate the stormy seas of election-related information. This is not merely a workshop; it is a call to action for everyone who believes that a healthy democracy depends on an informed citizenry. The timing could not be more deliberate. With the presidential election on the horizon, false narratives, manipulated images, and viral misinformation are likely to spread faster than ever, threatening to undermine the credibility of the electoral process and erode public trust in democratic institutions. DUBAWA’s initiative is therefore a proactive response to a clear and present danger, one that recognizes that the battle for truth is fought not only in newsrooms but also on social media platforms, community forums, and everyday conversations. By gathering a diverse group of participants in Banjul, DUBAWA aims to create a network of trained truth-seekers who can serve as guardians of factual information during this critical period. The programme is not just about reacting to lies after they have spread; it is about building the capacity to prevent misinformation from taking root in the first place.
Paragraph 2: The Silent Threat of Information Disorder
Anyone who has followed elections in recent years, whether in established democracies or emerging ones, knows that misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation have become powerful tools of political manipulation. In The Gambia, a country with a vibrant media landscape and a passionate citizenry, the risk is particularly acute. False stories can be created and shared within seconds, often designed to provoke anger, fear, or confusion among voters. During an election cycle, these deceptive narratives can alter public perception, suppress voter turnout, or even incite violence. The stakes are enormous. When people cannot agree on basic facts, democratic debate becomes impossible. When voters are deliberately misled, the legitimacy of the electoral outcome is called into question. And when trust in the media and public institutions erodes, the entire fabric of society suffers. DUBAWA understands that information disorder is not a random occurrence; it is often a coordinated strategy deployed by individuals and groups with vested interests. These actors exploit social media algorithms, create fake accounts, and use sophisticated techniques to amplify their messages. They target vulnerable communities, exploit existing divisions, and plant seeds of doubt that can grow into full-blown crises. This programme is designed to address this threat head-on. Participants will learn how to identify the telltale signs of manipulated content, trace the origins of suspicious stories, and verify facts using rigorous, evidence-based methodologies. But the training goes beyond technical skills. It also explores the broader social and political context of information disorder, helping participants understand why certain narratives gain traction and how to communicate factual information in ways that resonate with ordinary people. By the end of the two days, attendees will be not only better fact-checkers but also more effective communicators, capable of cutting through the noise and delivering truth in a compelling and accessible manner. The goal is to create a resilient information ecosystem in The Gambia, one where lies are quickly exposed and truth has a fighting chance.
Paragraph 3: Who Should Step Forward? A Call to Journalists, Bloggers, and Civic Actors
The invitation from DUBAWA is broad, but it is also purposeful. The programme is open to individuals who are resident in The Gambia and who fall into specific categories that are central to the flow of information during an election. First and foremost are journalists working across all media platforms—print, television, radio, and digital. These are the men and women who will be on the front lines, covering rallies, interviewing candidates, and reporting on electoral processes. They need the tools to distinguish between fact and fiction, to verify claims made by politicians, and to hold power accountable. But the call extends beyond traditional journalism. Bloggers and independent content creators are equally welcome. In today’s world, many Gambians get their news from social media influencers, YouTube channels, and podcasts. These digital voices have enormous reach, and with that reach comes a responsibility to share accurate information. The programme is designed to help these content creators understand the ethics of verification and to give them the practical skills to fact-check viral posts, images, and videos before they hit “publish.” Finally, DUBAWA is reaching out to what it describes as “actors within parastatal organisations”—in other words, public relations officers, communication specialists, and information managers working in state-owned enterprises, regulatory bodies, and other government-linked institutions. These individuals play a unique role in the information ecosystem. They are often the official sources of information about government activities, and their credibility is essential to public trust. By training these civic actors, DUBAWA hopes to foster a culture of transparency and accuracy within the public sector itself. Whether you are a seasoned reporter, a rising blogger, or a communication officer, this programme offers a unique opportunity to sharpen your skills, network with like-minded professionals, and contribute to the integrity of The Gambia’s 2026 election.
Paragraph 4: Inside the Training—From Fact-Checking to Deepfake Detection
What exactly will participants learn during those two intensive days in Banjul? The curriculum is comprehensive, practical, and designed to meet the challenges of modern information warfare. The training will begin with the fundamentals of fact-checking, teaching participants how to take a claim—whether it comes from a politician, a viral post, or a news report—and systematically verify it using reliable sources and primary documents. This may sound simple, but in practice it requires discipline, scepticism, and a methodical approach. Participants will learn how to search databases, cross-reference information, and use digital tools to track down the original source of an image or video. They will also be introduced to the concept of open-source intelligence, or OSINT, which involves gathering and analysing publicly available information to answer specific questions. In the context of an election, OSINT can be used to monitor campaign activities, identify coordinated disinformation networks, and assess the authenticity of purported evidence. The programme also addresses one of the most alarming trends in recent years: the rise of deepfakes and synthetic media. With advances in artificial intelligence, it is now possible to create highly realistic videos and audio recordings in which people say things they never said and do things they never did. These creations can be nearly indistinguishable from real footage, and they pose a grave threat to electoral integrity. Participants will be trained to spot the subtle inconsistencies, artifacts, and digital fingerprints that indicate manipulation. They will learn about tools that can analyse the metadata of multimedia files, detect signs of AI generation, and verify the provenance of visual content. The goal is not to make everyone an expert in computer forensics, but rather to give them the foundational knowledge they need to avoid being fooled and to help others see through the deception.
Paragraph 5: Beyond the Workshop—Ongoing Mentorship and Real-World Application
The value of this programme extends far beyond the two days in October. DUBAWA is committed to providing direct, one-on-one guidance from its expert fact-checkers and media analysts before, during, and after the 2026 presidential election. This is a critical component of the initiative. Learning the theory of fact-checking in a classroom setting is one thing; applying it in the heat of a live election, with deadlines looming and pressure mounting, is quite another. That is why DUBAWA’s team will remain in regular contact with participants, offering support, answering questions, and helping them navigate the complex challenges that will inevitably arise. This ongoing mentorship creates a community of practice, where journalists and bloggers can share their experiences, alert each other to emerging misinformation campaigns, and collaborate on verification projects. It also ensures that the skills learned in the workshop are not forgotten but are continually refined and adapted to new circumstances. As the election draws closer, participants will be better prepared to debunk false claims quickly, to provide accurate context for their audiences, and to serve as trusted voices in a sea of uncertainty. The training is therefore not an isolated event but the beginning of a sustained relationship with DUBAWA and with a network of fellow truth-seekers across The Gambia. This is particularly important because the fight against misinformation does not end on election day. The aftermath of an election can be just as volatile, with disputes over results, allegations of fraud, and the potential for social unrest. The skills these participants will acquire will remain useful long after the ballots have been counted, contributing to a stronger and more resilient media landscape in the years to come.
Paragraph 6: How to Apply—And Why You Should Not Wait
For those who feel called to this mission, the next step is clear. DUBAWA is now accepting applications through an online form, and interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for submissions is September 22, 2026, and given the high demand for such training, early application is strongly advised. The process is straightforward, but applicants should think carefully about why they want to participate and how they plan to use the skills they gain. This is not a passive learning experience; it is an active commitment to safeguarding democracy in The Gambia. Those selected will join a select group of professionals who will be at the forefront of the fight against misinformation during one of the most critical periods in the nation’s history. They will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference, to protect the integrity of the electoral process, and to ensure that the voice of the Gambian people is not drowned out by a chorus of lies. In a world where truth is increasingly under attack, the work of fact-checking is more than a technical skill—it is a public service, a moral calling, and a cornerstone of democratic governance. By participating in this programme, you will not only enhance your own professional capabilities but also contribute to a larger movement for transparency, accountability, and truth. The invitation is open. The deadline is approaching. And the need has never been greater. So if you are a journalist, a blogger, or a civic actor with a passion for accuracy, do not hesitate. Take this opportunity to equip yourself with the tools you need to be a beacon of truth in the 2026 election and beyond. Apply today, and become part of the movement safeguarding democracy and truth in The Gambia. Your country needs you, and the time to act is now.