The commitment was made during a high-level consultation on journalists’ safety and security, organised by the GPU with support from IFEX at the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in Kanifing. The forum brought together representatives of political parties, journalists and media stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at ensuring a safe working environment for the press during the electoral period.
Speaking at the event, GPU Board Member Meta Touray described the media as a cornerstone of democratic governance, stressing that journalists play a vital role in providing citizens with accurate information needed to make informed electoral choices.
“Our role as the fourth estate, especially during elections, is to inform citizens, scrutinise candidates and their manifestos, provide platforms for debate, and counter misleading narratives,” she said.
Touray warned that journalists continue to face intimidation, harassment and violence, particularly during election periods, despite ongoing efforts by the GPU to strengthen their safety through hazardous environment awareness and other professional training programmes.
She called on political leaders to publicly condemn attacks on journalists and foster an environment where media professionals can carry out their duties freely and without fear.
Inter-Party Committee Co-Chair Samba Baldeh said the safety of journalists is fundamental to transparent, peaceful and credible elections, arguing that access to reliable information is essential for democratic participation.
“Journalists are not enemies. The greatest threat to a politician is not a journalist with a microphone, but a citizen who has no information,”Baldeh said.
He acknowledged that supporters of both ruling and opposition parties have, at different times, insulted or threatened journalists and urged political actors to demonstrate greater tolerance and respect for press freedom.
In a significant commitment, Baldeh announced that the IPC will incorporate a dedicated provision on the protection of journalists into its revised Code of Conduct for political parties.
Under the proposed measures, political parties whose members attack, threaten or intimidate journalists could face disciplinary action, including referral to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
Speakers emphasised that ensuring the safety of journalists should not rest solely with the police but also requires political parties to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and promote peaceful political engagement.
The consultation concluded with a renewed commitment by media and political stakeholders to work together to uphold press freedom, enhance journalist safety and create an enabling environment for professional media coverage throughout the electoral process.
