By Binneh s Minteh, Former Gambian Army Lieutenant

Newark, New Jersey

Much has been said about the vicious -brutal murder of late Journalist Deyda Hydra, but  very little  has been done thus far in bringing the perpetrators of such a heinous crime committed in the annals of Gambian history.  The late journalist Deyda Hydra was gunned by unknown assailants two years ago on 16 December 2004.

In the midst of an international outcry about the banditry and gangster-like activity that epitomized Deyda Hydra’s death, the Gambia government continues to keep a tight lip, defiantly and uncooperatively lambasting human rights and media organizations advocating for an independent investigation in to the brutal shooting of the late journalist.  It is five years since tragic incident took place, and killers of the late journalist are still loitering in the streets of The Gambia with impunity.

What have we learned from this sad situation as a transforming nation, Why did we let ourselves be reduced so low at a time when societies are transforming to be better socio-politically and socio-economically?  These are some of the questions we should start answering as a nation and as a people.

In responding to these questions, it is important to understand that the way Gambians deal with the case of Deyda Hydra, and other murdered citizens will greatly shape and determine the type of institutions and structures needed to nurture the future of our nation in accordance with the fundamental tenets of all humane and thriving societies.  Although the current political climate could not permit a credible investigation, it is important to note that murder in any society must never go unpunished.  This is so because life is a precious gift from God The Almighty.  People, who abuse human life, must therefore be shunned by all thriving societies. Gambians must also be ready to shun the Killers of Deyda Hydra and all other murdered citizens in the midst of thriving men, women and children of our beloved nation.

Times are changing and we must be ready to change along the parables of reality.  Such global changing realities includes but not limited to empowering citizens,  building institutions and structures accountable to citizens , strengthening human rights, and upholding the rule of law as an anchor of changing parabolic realities of modern times.  The murder of Deyda Hydra was a symbol of those changing global parabolic realities.

The late Deyda Hydra was the victim of cowards that could not withstand the changing realities, thus resulting to using an automatic weapon on a noble citizen deploying the myth of a pen to educate and empower his fellow citizen – that is what patriots do, and that is exactly what characterizes Deyda Hydra.  May his Soul Rest in Perfect and Eternal Peace.  

Deyda Hydra is gone, but never forgotten. His murder has shaped Gambian politics and will continue to do so for generations.  His legacy will continue to be one rich legacy that will remain to be firmly rooted in the annals of global politics.  As the noose continues to tighten upon irresponsible governments around the world, the gap may certainly be closing upon all those who kill and murder with impunity. Moreover, the killers of Deyda Hydra are no exception to that reality.  Only time will tell.

May The Soul of Deyda Hydra Rest in Perfect and Eternal Peace