Dear President Adama Barrow,
I trust this message reaches you in good health. As a media executive emeritus and seasoned journalist in The Gambia, I am compelled to voice my grave concerns over the recent defamation allegations leveled against journalists Musa Sheriff and Momodou Justice Darboe from The Voice Newspaper. These accusations, arising from their articles about your purported departure strategy and designated successor, have sparked considerable concern among the global community and defenders of press freedom.
As a proponent of democratic values and a free press, I implore you to reconsider these charges. Prosecuting journalists for their reporting erodes the transparency and accountability crucial to a robust democracy. It also conveys a daunting message to the media community, which may inhibit the vital flow of ideas and information necessary for informed public debate.
I respectfully ask that you dismiss the defamation charges against Mr. Sheriff and Mr. Darboe. Such an action would reinforce your commitment to the freedom of the press and the rights of journalists in The Gambia. It would also signify your adherence to the principles of justice and fairness, which are fundamental to your leadership.
Mr. President, we hope to see The Gambia champion democracy by allowing journalists to perform their duties without fear of retribution and by fostering a multitude of voices to construct a more inclusive Gambia, one that embraces tolerance, civil liberties, and mutual understanding. Mr. President, the impetuous use of libel and defamation laws to take journalists to court should not be ignored, as it would signify a tolerance for the intimidation and harassment of journalists, reminiscent of the era under your predecessor, President Yahya Jammeh, whose tenure was characterized by numerous human rights abuses and infringements on freedom of expression and speech.
Mr. President, The Gambia is currently ranked 50th out of 180 countries in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This position reflects both the challenges and the progress made in press freedom in the country under your leadership. Notably, during Yahya Jammeh’s tenure, The Gambia faced severe restrictions on press freedom, which resulted in a low ranking of 152nd out of 179 countries in 2012. The index highlighted concerns like censorship, arbitrary detentions, and harassment of journalists during Yahya Jammeh’s tenure. It is heartening to observe the notable advancements in press freedom under your administration, which are highly commendable.
During Yahya Jammeh’s rule, the right to information was consistently violated, with communications being severed or censored. Journalists faced attacks, arrests, torture, death sentences, forced exile, and the shuttering of media outlets. Incidents included nocturnal arson attacks on media houses and printing presses, as well as murders. Notably, an independent newspaper was firebombed twice, and it was forcibly closed without due process. Additionally, the case of journalist Chief Ebrimah Manneh, who vanished without a thorough investigation by the authorities, left his family and community in anguish.
Mr. President, the international community has shown support for your administration’s governance methods, especially your commitment to press freedom. The European Union, for instance, has announced an $80 million support package, reinstating aid previously suspended during Yahya Jammeh’s rule, in recognition of your dedication to democracy and the strengthening of a free press in the Gambia. Nonetheless, there are still concerns about the speed of reforms, as certain repressive laws continue to exist despite pledges for change. Nonetheless, there is an acknowledgment of the progress achieved under your leadership, especially when contrasted with the previous administration’s oppressive stance towards the press and journalists.
Mr. President, we recognize the magnitude of the challenges you confront and the healing that the Gambian people require to progress. A significant transformation is crucial to move beyond the Jammeh era and rebuild trust in the state institutions among Gambians.
Mr. President, the commitments to press freedom that Gambia has publicly made will be meaningless without prompt action. The objectives your administration has set, including eradicating corruption, cannot be achieved without a press that is free to operate independently, safely, and without the threat of retaliation.
Mr. President, I implore you and your government to immediately and unconditionally release editor Musa Sheriff and journalist Momodou Sulayman Justice Darboe, drop all charges against them, and ensure that the Voice newspaper can promptly resume its journalistic duties.
Mr. President, the struggle for democracy is primarily yours, yet journalists have an essential role in the democratic process of a nation. It is crucial that media professionals have the freedom to operate, fostering trust among Gambians, and strengthening democracy and the rule of law. We anticipate your complete support in this endeavor.
Thank you for considering this issue. I am confident that you will act in the best interest of upholding the democratic values we cherish.
Yours sincerely,
Alagi Yorro Jallow
Former Founding Managing Editor of The Independent, now banned, and veteran journalist.