Sheriff Bojang Jr.

Introduction: A Voice for Truth in The Gambia

In the landscape of Gambian media and journalism, few names resonate with as much respect and fortitude as Sheriff Bojang Jr.. As the Editor of the iconic Foroyaa newspaper, Bojang has established himself as a cornerstone of independent journalism and a fearless advocate for press freedom, democracy, and human rights in The Gambia. Born in 1975, his career spans a critical period in the nation's history, from the long and oppressive regime of Yahya Jammeh to the dawn of a new democratic era. His key achievement lies not in a single award, but in the consistent, principled, and often dangerous work of keeping Foroyaa operational as a beacon of truth, holding power to account even under the most severe political duress. Sheriff Bojang Jr. embodies the very essence of public service journalism in West Africa.

Early Life & Education: The Formative Years

Sheriff Bojang Jr. was born in 1975, a time when The Gambia was under the presidency of Sir Dawda Jawara. While specific details of his early childhood are kept private, it is understood that he grew up witnessing the evolving political and social dynamics of his nation. His educational journey laid the foundation for his critical thinking and communication skills. He pursued his higher education at the prestigious University of The Gambia, where he likely honed his interest in social justice, governance, and the power of the written word.

The most formative experience for the young Sheriff Bojang Jr. was undoubtedly the political climate of the 1990s and early 2000s. The 1994 coup that brought Yahya Jammeh to power marked the beginning of a 22-year dictatorship characterized by widespread human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and a systematic crackdown on independent media. Witnessing this environment firsthand, where newspapers were shut down and journalists were harassed, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed, profoundly shaped his resolve. It was within this context that the mission of Foroyaa—founded in 1987 as an organ of the People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS)—became not just a job, but a vital civic duty. This period cemented his belief in journalism as a tool for empowerment and accountability.

Career & Major Achievements: Leading Foroyaa Through Fire

Sheriff Bojang Jr. joined Foroyaa and steadily rose through the ranks, his dedication and skill earning him the position of Editor. His career is a chronicle of resilience in the face of intimidation.

Upholding Journalism Under Dictatorship

As Editor, Bojang was at the helm during some of the Jammeh regime's most repressive years. Foroyaa was a constant target. The newspaper faced relentless pressure: its vendors were arrested, issues were confiscated, and its staff, including Bojang, operated under the palpable threat of arrest or worse. Despite this, under his editorial leadership, Foroyaa maintained its commitment to reporting on issues others dared not touch—corruption, extrajudicial killings, and electoral malpractices. He became a master of navigating the ambiguous legal terrain, often using the regime's own laws to argue for the paper's right to publish. This period was less about celebrated scoops and more about the monumental achievement of simply continuing to exist and publish, providing Gambians with an alternative to state-controlled narratives.

The 2016 Electoral Transition and Beyond

The climax of this struggle came during the 2016 presidential election and its aftermath. Foroyaa, under Bojang's editorship, played a crucial role in informing the public during the tense political standoff. When long-time dictator Yahya Jammeh unexpectedly lost to Adama Barrow and initially refused to concede, The Gambia was plunged into a constitutional crisis. The role of independent media was critical in ensuring citizens understood the unfolding events. Following Barrow's eventual inauguration in 2017, Sheriff Bojang Jr. and Foroyaa did not simply become government cheerleaders. They pivoted to holding the new coalition government accountable, advocating for the realization of democratic promises, security sector reform, and justice for the victims of the previous regime—a testament to his non-partisan commitment to principles.

Advocacy for Media Freedom and Legal Reform

Beyond the newsroom, Sheriff Bojang Jr. is a vocal advocate for structural change in Gambian media. He has been a persistent voice calling for the repeal of the country's draconian media laws, such as criminal defamation and sedition statutes, which were used to jail journalists under Jammeh and still pose a threat. He actively engages with bodies like the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and international organizations to promote:

• The enactment of a Freedom of Information (FoI) law.
• The transformation of state-owned media into true public service broadcasters.
• Improved safety protocols and legal support for journalists across The Gambia.

Personal Life & Legacy: The Man Behind the Byline

While Sheriff Bojang Jr. is intensely private about his family and personal life, his public persona reveals a man of deep integrity, calm demeanor, and unwavering conviction. Colleagues describe him as a mentor who leads by example, emphasizing rigorous fact-checking, ethical reporting, and courage. His interests are inextricably linked to his profession—a passion for history, politics, and the socio-economic development of The Gambia and the wider West African region.

His legacy is multifaceted. For aspiring journalists in The Gambia, he is a living lesson in resilience and ethical journalism. For the nation, he is a guardian of democratic discourse. The legacy of Sheriff Bojang Jr. is etched into every edition of Foroyaa that challenged authoritarianism and every young reporter he has inspired. He has contributed to building an institutional memory of resistance within Gambian civil society, demonstrating that a free press is not a luxury but a fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy. His life's work ensures that the sacrifices of Gambian journalists who suffered before him are remembered and built upon.

Net Worth & Business: The Value Beyond Finance

It is not appropriate or possible to accurately state the personal net worth of Sheriff Bojang Jr.. Working as the Editor of a historically opposition-aligned newspaper in a developing nation like The Gambia is not a path to significant personal wealth. Foroyaa has operated for decades as a mission-driven publication, often facing financial constraints due to political persecution and limited advertising revenue. The "value" Bojang has built is not financial but social and democratic. His "business" is the business of truth-telling. Any financial success is reinvested into the newspaper's operations—paying staff, maintaining equipment, and ensuring distribution. The true worth of Sheriff Bojang Jr. lies in the incalculable asset of a informed public and a checked government, contributions that far surpass monetary measurement. His career stands as a powerful reminder that the most impactful work in media and journalism is often driven by purpose, not profit.

For further reading on the context of his work, you can explore reports on Gambian media freedom from organizations like Article 19 and the Committee to Protect Journalists.