The
Strategic Framework for Media Sector Reform in The Gambia was on Thursday 17
August 2017 launched at the Ocean Bay Hotel and Resort where it was presented
to stakeholders.
The
past administration of The Gambia implemented measures that restricted media
freedom and repressed journalists as well as other human rights defenders in
the country.
For
over 22 years, the former regime was characterised by gross and systematic
human rights and freedom of expression, violations, including extrajudicial
killings, enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrests and detentions,
physical attacks and censorship. Many of
the victims were journalists, human rights activists and private citizens.
Following
a change of government, The Gambia is currently in a process of rebuilding
herself to a country that enjoys democracy and good governance.
An
important requirement in the rebuilding process is a vibrant and professional
media that plays an effective role in ensuring inclusive, participatory and
transparent governance processes while mobilizing and informing citizens about
their roles and responsibilities in the democratic transition process.
In
light of the foregoing, the Gambia Press Union (GPU), and its partners, the
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the International Media Support (IMS)
and Gambia Media Support (GAMES) decided to initiate a project for the
development of the media in The Gambia to play its rightful role in assisting
in the rebuilding of democracy in the country.
The
strategic framework looks at key issues such as legal and policy reforms,
capacity development and institutional strengthening.
In
his keynote address and launch of the framework, Hon. Demba Ali Jawo, Minister
of Information and Communications Infrastructure, said the forum, which maybe
long overdue, is relevant in the new dispensation of the country, adding that
the role played by the media as the fourth estate is very crucial in any
political dispensation, especially in the promotion of democracy, good
governance, and freedom of expression hence needs access to information.
The
media and journalists are important in promoting transparency, accountability
and governance on behalf of citizens, he said.
He
said a joint and collaborative media sector reform process was initiated by the
Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure (MoICI), and GPU in
partnership with MFWA, IMS and GAMES.
A
12-member group was set up to develop a strategic framework to guide the media
reform process. The group, made up of local and international media experts
that include media managers, editors, regulators, academics, lawyers and
policymakers, has been constituted.
Through
a series of workshops and consultations, the expert group has come up with a
comprehensive strategic framework that will guide the entire media sector
reform process in The Gambia.
According
to Hon. Jawo, his ministry welcomes the intervention and therefore extended
their sincere gratitude and appreciation to partners for the laudable
initiative.
Freedom
of expression is the cornerstone of a democratic society, he noted, saying as
media practitioners “we should safeguard public interest through dissemination
of factual and reliable information”.
He
urged the media to be supportive in combating fake information and what is
tantamount to hate speech, especially on social media, in order to maintain the
cordial relations it is enjoying with the new government.
