UNITE expresses its full solidarity with journalist Omar P. Jallow, who has been intimidated, threatened with dismissal, and forced to publish false statements under coercion by officials of the Barrow government.
We are deeply concerned by the obvious attempt to tamper with press freedom and institutional fairness in The Gambia. Journalists should never face retaliation for taking part in community events. Omar Jallow was targeted simply because his village invited Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda to a fundraiser.
This confirms what Minister Amat Bah once mentioned during a political meeting: the government views Mayor Bensouda and the UNITE movement as such a political threat that any association with him, even through a village development event, is treated as an act of disloyalty punishable by job loss, interrogation, and public humiliation.
There is an obvious attempt to instill fear among the population, especially journalists and individuals linked to UNITE and Mayor Bensouda, using state machinery to intimidate and silence perceived political opponents. We call this an absolute abuse of power.
We must also highlight the role of Deputy Speaker Honourable Seedy Njie, who according to Mr. Jallow’s sworn admission hosted a meeting at his residence, communicated that the government had recommended Mr. Jallow’s dismissal, and then personally instructed the journalist to publish a false statement to clear Seedy Njie’s own name. This constitutes a blatant disregard for the rule of law and a gross abuse of political office.
We therefore express full solidarity with Omar P. Jallow and demand his immediate protection. We call for an immediate independent inquiry into the roles of all officials implicated, particularly Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie, Minister of Information Dr. Ismaela Ceesay who issued a fact check to debunk the initial denunciation, as well as all other officials involved.
We demand that the Government of The Gambia cease the targeting of individuals associated with UNITE and Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda and respect the right of all citizens to non-partisan community participation.
We call on all human rights organizations, press freedom advocates, and civil society actors to add their voices to this injustice and demand accountability from the Barrow government.
UNITE stands in full solidarity with Omar Jallow and the entire media fraternity.
We will not be silent in the face of injustice and abuse of power
