Editorial: The End Of Press Freedom In Gambia!!!

The United Democratic Party raises pertinent issues on its terse press release. The central theme of that press release centered on the unpredictable future of the country’s private press-most importantly the Point Newspaper. The call for the need to decriminalize the country’s repressive press laws is also a welcomed development.

We entirely agree with the UDP. The jailing of the six journalists will indeed have an adverse effect on the future of Point, and the Foroyaa Newspapers respectively. 

Pap Saine, and Ebrima Sawneh played an important role towards the sustenance of the Point. This is evident on their respective roles in maintaining a rich, authoritative, and reliable content for that paper.

While we hailed the tireless efforts of the existing Point staffers in maintaining the paper during Pap, and Sawaneh’s  absence, it is imperative to note that the paper’s survival depends largely on its sound financial footing, and dedicated work team.

The main signatory to the Point account(s) Pap Saine has been jailed. For salaries, and other office needs to be taken care of, it  would require at least the signatory of Saine, or Madam Hydara, the co proprietor of the Point. 

It is a known fact that Pap Saine was also very instrumental in getting advertisement for the Point. His absence would be badly felt by his customers. Only God knows what the future holds for the Point.

The UDP’S call for free press should be welcomed by all meaningful Gambians. In the absence of free press, there cannot be meaningful democracy. The press is an important partner in nation building.

Governments committed to democratic principles, and tenets should embrace the press. The Government should be afraid of the press, and not otherwise in any democratic dispensation.

We also concur with the UDP for the need for responsible press. Freedom of expression does not give one the license to defame, caricature, or insult others, as clearly evident in the Daily Observer’s editorial policy. The paper does not allow government opponents to respond to allegations leveled against them by the President.

The whole purpose of free expression is to be able to constructively, and honestly convey one’s opinions on issues of national interest, without trampling on people’s rights, and privacies. The press has a responsibility, and must live up to its expectations.

Throughout the GPU six trial, there was no story on the observer pages commenting on the plight of the embattled journalists. The paper decides to embark on a media blackout.

It is an insult to call the Daily Observer a newspaper. There is no such services being rendered by the Observer. The Observer could be best equated as a public relation firm.

We are also concern about the future of the GPU. One should not be surprised if GRTS, and Observer moved in to take over the press union. Just watch.