Message of Solidarity for
Gambia Press Union (UK) is aware of and paying very keen attention to current problems between President Yahya Jammeh and parent body of press in the country GPU under the stewardship of Ndey Tapha Sosseh. We understand that members of the union along with the organisation’s adviser Mr Sam Sarr have been rounded up, arrested and detained by persons identified as staff of National Intelligence Agency NIA. Halifa Sallah too we understand was lured into bailing out colleagues only to be arrested and detained once he arrived at the NIA premises. It is also reported that several others are being targeted and had to stay in hiding for personal protection.
The whole episode of harassments, arrests, interrogation and detention came about when the press body denounced a statement by President Jammeh considered inflammatory and insulting the memory of slain journalist Deyda Hydara.
Without needing to seek compromise, we demand the unconditional release of those arrested and detained with immediate effect. Also we call on President Jammeh to extend unreserving statement of apology to family, friends and colleagues of late Deyda Hydara for his government’s failure in producing any intelligible report about the murder case since December 2004. It is also most dignifying that President Jammeh withdraws the statement that places his personal reputation at stake.
It is recalled that GPU (UK) staged a picket in London a year marking Deyda’s murder with a letter of protest forwarded to former British Minister Tony Blair. In that letter, we asked British authorities to utilise the full force all diplomatic influence and also to provide technical support from MI5 and forensic experts from
Knowing that matters stand in no better position since we last communicated our concerns to British authorities, this press release serves as a renewed call to authorities in UK and Gambia’s development and diplomatic partners including the Obama regime to exert further pressure on President Jammeh and his government. That is aimed at ensuring responsible action from the Jammeh government by conducting serious investigation that provides much needed satisfying results.
We are more worried over the fact that any time the name of Deyda Hydara is mentioned by independent print and electronic media reaction from President Jammeh and agents of his government is always hostile and uncompromising.
Recent situation as clearly seen is highly charged in the most negative manner and provokes further suspicion that government of
This message serves President Jammeh, his government and their security agents an opportunity to declare any unknown interest they may be privy to about who killed Deyda Hydara and possible motives.
Along the way since December 2004 when Deyda Hydara was murdered, we members of Gambia Press Union United Kingdom recognise and stay in full appreciation of what our partners in the press and some international organisations have contributed in terms of media coverage and every possible support rendered towards our search for the ultimate truth about all matters regarding Deyda Hydara’s murder. Media Foundation for west Africa MFWA under the executive mandate of Professor Kwame Karkari has done so much all along. We also commend the good efforts of Committee to Protect Journalists CPJ, Reporters Sans Frontieres RSF, Amnesty International, and scores of others.
The
To have Gambia Press Union stand solid grounds at the home front is a progressive advance towards emancipation of independent media during these most trying times. In taking such bold challenges head on puts the whole organisation of GPU on the highest moral platform.
To share your pains and aspirations, we send this solemn message of solidarity and to convey our most sincere appreciation on your firm stance.
For and on behalf of Gambia Press Union (
Sarjo Bayang
President GPU (