The Gambia Press Union is
concerned by comments made by Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the UDP, describing
a Star FM talk show host as someone who dislikes his party and members of the
Mandinka ethnic group.
Mr. Darboe also accused the
journalist, Pa Nderry Touray, of trying to cause divisions in his United
Democratic Party, as he addressed new UDP National Assembly Members at his house
along Kairaba Avenue on Friday, April 15, 2022.
The GPU condemns in the strongest
terms the actions of the UDP leader. Darboe and all other politicians
are being urged to desist from such rhetoric targeted at journalists because they
incite their supporters to either physically or verbally assault journalists.
In recent years, the GPU has
observed and documented a disturbing trend of political rhetoric from political
leaders, with others accusing journalists or certain media houses of bias and
unfavourable coverage – a stark reminder of how the dictatorship of Yahya
Jammeh gradually started its onslaught against the media.
Over the last five years, a good
number of physical and verbal assaults on journalists and media professionals recorded
in more than 15 incidents were perpetrated by politicians and their supporters,
with impunity.
To avoid these attacks on journalists, the
GPU has been engaging politicians on an annual basis to discuss the safety of
journalists covering and reporting on the activities of their political
parties.
The latest of these engagements was held
just last month (on March 11) attended by participants from registered
political parties and independent candidates.
“The GPU is urging politicians to lead by
example in promoting and protecting journalists from verbal attacks that are
likely to expose them to further attacks, physically,” GPU President Muhammed
S. Bah said.
“Political party leaders have a
responsibility to protect journalists from attacks, and must not be seen to be
the instigators of verbal or physical attacks against journalists.”
The GPU is also urging journalists
to respect and uphold their code of conduct, the Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics for Journalists, remain apolitical and to avoid any form
of bias or other unethical practices that may likely expose them to further risks.
- Ends
For inquiries,
Contact GPU Secretary General
Tel: +220 348 0043
Email: pressuniongambia@gmail.com
