Mankamang
Kunda, URR, The Gambia—Following the very unfortunate fracas involving a
volunteer local interpreter with the Presidential “Meet The People Tour” and
three independent journalists at the Jangjangbureh—Lamin Koto Ferry Crossing on
Thursday 21 November, 2019, The Gambia Government issues this Statement to put
things in their proper perspective.
The
Government wants to make it categorically clear that neither President Adama
Barrow nor any member of his government or official delegation sanctioned,
encouraged, participated or condoned the alleged assault on the three
journalists from Kerr Fatou, Gambia Talents Promotion and Paradise FM. Contrary
to reports that President Barrow had instructed Tourism & Culture Minister,
Hon Hamat Bah to pacify the feuding BYM supporters over poor logistical
arrangements affecting their transportation,
President Barrow didn’t in fact know of the incident until several hours
thereafter.
Rather,
in exercise of good judgment, no sooner had the Tourism Minister, Hamat Bah
noticed the rising tension among the supporters furious over poor
transportation arrangements than he immediately interceded and instructed the
CRR Regional Governor, Sheriff Abba Sanyang to immediately cater to their
demands and that was heeded to instantly.
However,
upon thorough investigations, The Government was able to establish that an over
zealous volunteer in the “Meet The People Tour” apparently unhappy with the
filming of the altercation among supporters
attempted to stop the filming and in the process was caught in a melee
with the trio.
Unfortunately,
during the scuffle, The Gambia Government learnt with profound shock and
sadness, allegations that Journalists—Sally Jobe of Kerr Fatou, Ebrahim Jambang
of Gambian Talents Promotion and Landing Ceesay of Paradise FM were physically
and verbally assaulted as they carried on with their professional business.
Therefore,
President Adama Barrow, his government and official delegation wish to express
profound shock and sadness over the incident and condemns in the strongest
terms the alleged assailant or assailants’ dastardly act against these hard working
journalists performing exceptionally well under very challenging circumstances.
The alleged assault is embarrassing, uncalled for and deeply regrettable.
Equally,
The Presidency is genuinely remorseful and unreservedly apologizes to the
trio,The Gambia Press Union and concerned parties over this reprehensible act.
President Barrow encourages those affected to continue with their normal
business and assures all journalists that his Government does not condone any
acts of impunity or attempts that undermine the press.
Meanwhile,
in recognition of the crucial role journalists play in our teething democracy
following decades of autocratic rule that saw their colleagues murdered,
disappeared, tortured and exiled, The Presidency will replace all destroyed equipment
and plans are afoot to discuss compensation for those affected by this cowardly
act.
Let
there be no illusions, the Barrow Presidency takes this incident very seriously
as it is determined to improve on its most recent impressive press freedom record.
Lest
we forget, in the latest press freedom index, out of 55 countries, The Gambia
is ranked 9th in Africa and globally, The Gambia ranks 92 out of 186 countries.
This is a remarkable achievement compared to the dismal 22 years’ reports that
saw The Gambia teetering among the worse
3 human rights violators in Africa.
Moving
forward, President Adama Barrow and his entire Government is ever more
committed to an even greater respect for human and people’s rights, press
freedom and democracy and this fascinating trajectory in our new dispensation
can neither be compromised nor reversed.
Signed:
Ebrima
G. Sankareh
The
Gambia Government Spokesperson
