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Author weighs-in on the legality of Barrow’s iron gripped to power, and the self-perpetuating rule 

By Alagie Saidy-Barrow 

You would often hear Barrow supporters and the Eaters say that legally, Barrow has every right to self-perpetuate in power and begin that process by running for a third term in 2026. Even Barrow’s detractors and those who do not support him concede that he has a legal right to continue the self-perpetuation. Some of Barrow’s “againsers” (as we say in Badibu) caveat their legal concession by insisting that while he has the legal right to contest, it is still morally wrong. For a nation enmeshed in syncretism, I shudder at the thought of mixing politics and morality, but I guess there is a reason why we have a political party called Gambia Moral Congress. 

Some of the \"againsers\" are quick to remind us that Barrow himself spoke out against the very act of self-perpetuation that he is championing today. Of course, everyone who stands to continue eating on the backs of tax-paying Gambians will support Barrow’s self-perpetuation. After all, it serves their interest because it means they will continue to eat. I call them the Eaters. With remarkable simplemindedness, these Eaters will always anchor their argument on the legality of Barrow’s self-perpetuation just because the 1997 Yaya Jammeh Constitution allows self-perpetuation. For them, all that matters is that the 1997 Yaya Jammeh Constitution does not bar Adama Barrow from contesting the presidency, just as it did not bar Yaya Jammeh from contesting to his heart\

The Honourable Deputy Speaker, Seedy SK Njie, welcomed a high-ranking European Union (EU) delegation led by Ambassador-Designate Immaculada Roca I Cortes. The high-level meeting focused on reviewing the progress made on the implementation of the recommendations made by the EU after The Gambia\

  The Gambia Press Union (GPU) today began a two-day validation of a draft Assault and Battery Guide for Journalists as well as train 25 participants on how to utlise the guide as part of efforts to address impunity for violent attacks on journalists and media workers.

This event forms part of activities under the EU-funded Consolidation of Democratic Dispensation in The Gambia (CODE) implemented by International IDEA, and meant to support participatory, inclusive, and human rights-based democratic transition in The Gambia.

The validation and capacity building are aimed at providing journalists and media workers with the legal knowledge and understanding of process and procedures for seeking redress on assault cases and similar violations of press freedom.

Since 2017, the GPU has documented numerous incidents of journalists facing assault and intimidation, primarily from political party supporters and security forces. None of these cases, some of which are reported to the police, has seen a day in court, and no one is held accountable.

Journalists and other media workers face harassment, intimidation and physical attacks while covering political rallies and related events, peaceful protests and other events. “These attacks serve as stark reminder of the hostile environment that members of the press were confronted with during the dictatorship,” GPU President, Muhammed S. Bah, said. “Such incidents are not isolated, but part of a concerning trend that threatens press freedom and the fundamental right of the public to know about issues of national importance.”

“The role of the police in addressing these cases cannot be understated. As the institution responsible for upholding the law, it is crucial that the police take allegations of assault against journalists seriously, investigate them diligently, and hold perpetrators accountable,” Bah said.

“When cases are dismissed or neglected, it sends a message that journalists can be targeted with impunity. This is unacceptable in a democratic society, and we call on our police force to honor its commitment to protect all citizens, including journalists, who play an essential role in holding power accountable and upholding democratic values.”

Jainaba Faye, Head of Country Office, International IDEA, said that the Assault and Battery Guide aims to provide journalists with essential knowledge and strategies to effectively navigate the risks of assault.

“The importance of understanding assault and battery laws cannot be overstated and the knowledge empowers journalists to protect themselves legally,” Faye said. “This guide goes further to not only outline your rights but also offers practical advice on how to de-escalate potentially violent situations, ensuring your safety while you conduct your duties.”

Faye also urged journalists and media workers to not only familiarize themselves with the guide but to also share it with their colleagues and peers. “This will create a culture where journalists can work freely knowing they are equipped with the tools they need to stay safe and informed.”

Enya Braun, the European Union’s Governance Lead, said journalists play a central role in society; they are the voice of the people, the mirror of government and societal accountability, and the defenders of democracy.

“In the European Union, we deeply value press freedom, understanding that without it, democracy itself is undermined,” Braun said. “We are here today to affirm our solidarity with Gambian journalists, to help empower and equip them with the knowledge needed to protect their rights, and to support an environment that upholds the rule of law for all.”

Braun said that through training sessions like this, Gambian journalists and the Gambia Press Union can deepen their understanding of legal procedures, empowering them to seek redress when their rights are violated.

The validation of the Assault and Battery Guide for Journalists is being held on November 5, while the training aspect will be held on November 6, 2024 and will cover the scope of assault and battery laws, the process for filing complaints, and the support that journalists can seek from the judiciary.

“We believe that, with greater awareness, the impunity associated with crimes against journalists will diminish, fostering an environment of safety and respect for media professionals. In this context, gender considerations are also essential. Women journalists face unique challenges, including gender-based violence and harassment, which often go unreported,” Braun said.

By Sheriff Saidykhan 

Madi Jobarteh, a renowned Gambian human rights activist has said that The Gambian President Adama Barrow needs better advice and guidance. 

His comments came amid the media fraternity meeting with President Adama Barrow on Monday to address key issues impacting the media landscape in The Gambia, including the need for a conducive media environment, press freedom, and media law reforms. Plus the need to drop the lawsuit charges against the voice, editor.

The meeting brought together leading media figures, veteran journalists, representatives from the Women Journalists Association, MAJaC, and members of both the Media Council and the Gambia Press Union board. 

In his usual Facebook posts to speak up about happenings in the country, especially human rights issues, he (Madi Jobarteh) added that if the President was committed to the freedom of the media, why would the IGP arrest Voice Newspaper journalists.

“If the President was indeed committed to the freedom of the media why would the IGP to arrest these journalists in the first place, and at the same time ask his lawyers to sue them - for the same so-called crime? What exact crime have these journalists committed? Which law did they break? Which person or entity did they harm? Specifically! 

Indeed, this is a sad day for democracy and journalism in the Gambia.” he said.

The vocal human rights activist said not only is the lawsuit a pure harassment, but it has no basis for the civil and criminal cases. He said the authorities have abuse their powers by illegally arresting and subjecting the journalists to unnecessary court cases. 

He continued: “But knowing full well that these cases cannot succeed anywhere they now decided to turnaround to ‘forgive’ as if they are the victims and the journalists are the criminals.” he stated. 

“This is a typical dictatorship style used to criminalize innocent people hence intimidate them into submission. It is now obvious that the Voice Newspaper will be checking their reporting so as not to ‘offend’ anyone again, especially the President and NPP. Similarly other journalists and media houses may also subject themselves to self censorship. How does this help free press and democracy in the Gambia? 

The President needs advice and guidance. There’s nothing he could do that former presidents in and outside the Gambia had not done before him - and even better. Hence let the President stay away from self righteous decisions and actions and instead uncompromisingly and consistently commit himself to democratic values and honest leadership.”

Madi said he (Adama Barrow) is the only President in this country until next election, adding that he is adequately catered for in his life both as President and as ex-president afterwards.

The rights defender further cautioned President Barrow on the ideals of humility and human rights.

“Therefore let him aim for higher ideals of humility, human rights and integrity knowing that he does not share that position of president with anyone. His job is easy: just to follow and uphold the law without fear or favor, ill will or affection.” he said.

He observed that the unfortunate saga with these journalists should not have happened in the first place. 

He described the lawsuit as a terrible misjudgment that does not serve the best interest of the nation or himself. 

He added: “Therefore the President must be advised to be careful of his advisors and those surrounding him. He cannot consume any and every advice they place before him. It is established fact that people in power are also sometimes captured by their technocrats, surrogates and advisors to be manipulated and exploited for their selfish interests at the detriment of the president. 

What happened at State House is a tasteless drama that only exposes the baseless and abusive actions against these innocent journalists. The dignity of the presidency should be above such farce! The country should not have been subjected to such negative international ridicule and condemnation!” he concluded.

  In The Gambia, a country often celebrated for its vibrant cultural diversity, an unspoken reality continues to plague thousands of people: caste-based discrimination, particularly against communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD). Despite significant strides toward abolishing slavery and improving human rights, the shadow of descent-based oppression remains deeply entrenched, affecting every facet of life—from education to religious practice, and even basic human dignity. This isn\

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria is calling on media and relevant stakeholders to work in greater partnership to create a safe and enabling environment for journalists to operate.

IPC is making the call today as journalists, other media professionals and freedom of expression groups mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists with the theme: Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies.

IPC regrets that the safety of journalists during crises and emergencies in the country remain unguaranteed as evidenced by attacks on the media and journalists during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests and previous ones such as #EndSars.

IPC is particularly worried that the perpetrators of the worsening spate of attacks are rarely brought to justice hence the regime of impunity for crimes against journalists continue to reign while the country also continues to rank high among countries where press freedom and freedom of expression are constantly under threat.

IPC holds that the outcome of the documentation of attacks on journalists by its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub is disturbing as the database shows that within the past nine (9) months not less than forty (40) incidents of physical assault, harassment, threat to life, torture, kidnapping, unlawful arrest/detention, loss/damage of valuables and gadgets (camera, phones, midgets, money, etc.) among others and involving over sixty-five (65) journalists and other media professionals were recorded.

The report revealed that the number of highest cases recorded were in the month of August during the ‘End Bad Governance Protest’ held across the country.