At
the just concluded training of Gambia security forces on freedom of expression
and the safety of journalists by Article 19 and UNESCO, has recognised that
journalists are partners in national development.
It was also clearly spell out the important
role information could play in good governance, democracy and human rights.
The
participants were also interviewed and a positive comments where make that
journalists are not threat but watchdog to the nation.
The
initiative supported by the European Union has brought cordial relationship
between journalists and the security forces in understanding the power of
information in enabling peace, sustainable development and democracy through
promoting freedom of expression, freedom of the press and fostering safety of
journalists at the country level.
The
Goodwin opportunity has brought better understanding on the role and functions
of journalists in a democratic society and establishes professional
relationship between the security forces and journalists as they have common
goals in the country’s wellbeing.
It
has cleared doubts on crucial obstacles to the development by stopping
journalists from getting information or seen as threat in their work,
especially in times of investigation or dealing with suspects by the law
enforcement officers.
Security
forces were taught how to deal with journalists on every given situation and
also how journalists should respond and respect their work.
Lt.
Col Baboucarr Sangany of the Gambia Army Forces, said the training was very
productive and they have learned a lot about Article 19 in improving their
cordial relationship with the journalists.
He said in the former regime journalists have
been term as no go area but with the new dispensation everything would change
as the training was an example.
Momodou
D. Mballow, head of legal affairs unit at the Gambia Police Force, said the
training was important as it would help both parties to work on their
strengthen and weakness.
Ebrima
Baldeh of GRTS said the training was vital because there was so much difficult
between journalists and the security force in the past.
The
journalists are have been seen by the security forces as instigators of trouble
or critical of government and they feel talking to the journalists would land
them in trouble.
