Foroyaa Editor Calls On African Leaders To Intervene In The Case Of Missing Gambian Journalist

…Sam Sarr Describes Hydara’s Killer(s) As Enemies Of Freedom

By Staff Reporter James Jammeh, Banjul

The founding Editor of the Banjul based Foroyaa Newspaper Sam Sarr said the longstanding disappearance case of the Daily Observer Reporter Ebrima Chief Manneh, could be resolved with the timely intervention of Africa’s Heads of State. Speaking at a one day symposium held at TANGO-marking the fifth anniversary of the slain Point Newspaper boss Deyda Hydara, the Foroyaa Editor-in-Chief believes that it is through political means that this highly publicized case could be resolved. Mr. Sarr, a highly respectable journalist in The Gambia said with commitment and political will demonstrated by ECOWAS member states, he is convinced that something definitive would certainly come out of Mr. Manneh’s case.   

Mr. Sarr, who is also a renowned educationist, cited the recent judgment delivered in favor of Chief Manneh by the regional court ECOWAS, in which the Jammeh administration was ordered to pay damages to the plaintiff.

“African leaders have a great role to play in Chief Manneh’s case, since The Gambia is a Member country and signatory to all the protocols under the framework of ECOWAS. It is their duty to defend Chief Manneh, who has been missing since 2006,” said the Foroyaa Editor.

While calling on young Gambian journalists to remain steadfast in the struggle for just, democratic and transparent Gambia, Mr. Sarr observes that journalism is a noble profession and therefore the country’s media should preserve the ethics of their career. Mr. Sarr is impressed by the performance of his colleagues and he thus urged them to keep up the good work.

Speaking further, Sam said the celebrations marking the death of Deyda Hydara is a victory for Gambian Journalists,  whom he observes  are often branded as enemies of the Government-noting that “those responsible for the killing are cowards” and enemies of press freedom.

Mr. Sarr said the killer(s) of Deyda Hydara do not want Gambians to be informed about happenings in the country. He said such a barbaric act deserved to be condemned by all and sundry. The Foroyaa Editor  tasked the Government to protect journalists, media outlets  in the interest  of press freedom in the country since in his  own words “we are living in a democratic state.”

ENDS 12/19/09