Photo credit: Besel media
Sheriff Saidykhan
Mustapha K. Darboe, Gambiaʼs investigative journalist and founder of the Republic, an investigative news platform has been crowned the journalist of the year at the National Journalism Awards organised by the Gambia Press Union.
The event held over the weekend at OIC in Bijilo, saw the presense of government officials, dignitaries, stakeholders and people from different walks of life.
The story of the year that earned him journalist of the year titled: “The Assets of Gambiaʼs former dictator go for a song” exposes government sales of forfeited assets of former President Jammeh.
The story sparked public outcry, shaping nationwide discourse and demands for transparency from pressure groups like Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA).
In May 2025 the National Assembly set up a special committee probing into the sales of Jammeh’s assets.
Mustapha K Darboe, Gambiaʼs finest investigator also won the Tax reporting category, Migration and Human Trafficking, Children’s Reporting, Investigative Reporting categories.
In his speech Mustapha, recounted the evolution of his Investigative career and exuded confidence to continue his ‘craft’ of investigative journalism.
“This is just the beginning. I am not quitting this. You will see me here for many years”.
