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Momodou
Denmark
11840 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Feb 2008 : 18:51:50
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Gambia Yet To Respond
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression in Africa, under the Africa Commission on Human and People’s Right (ACHPR), Commissioner Faith Pansy Tlakula, has told journalists that the Gambia government is yet to reply to her four letters of appeal sent to the government concerning freedom of expression in The Gambia. Madam Tlakula made these remarks at the West African Human Rights training workshop on Thursday, 14 February, at Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.
Commissioner Tlakula indicated that she could not tell whether the letters have reached President Jammeh, himself, noting that the letters could get into the hands of some officials who may decide to file them without reaching the president. Commissioner Tlakula said that she has never had the opportunity to meet President Jammeh to discuss the issue of press freedom and freedom of expression. She pointed out that she had a meeting with the Attorney General and the Secretary of State for Information and had tabled the matter with them.
Madam Tlakula said that The Gambia government is very aware of the Special Rapporteur’s efforts on freedom of expression in The Gambia. She also registered her disappointment with some African countries that have ratified the Charter on Freedom of Expression but have failed to implement it in their respective countries, which includes The Gambia. She said that African governments voluntarily ratified the charter but are very reluctant to implement it.
In June 2006, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression in Africa wrote an appeal letter to The Gambia government, in which she brought to the attention of the authorities the matter relating to the detention of three Gambian journalists. According to Commissioner Tlakula, three more additional letters were also sent to the government but that she is yet to receive any response.
Foroyaa made attempts to talk to the Secretary of State for Communication, Information and Technology, Mrs. Neneh Macdouall Gaye, to obtain her views on the remarks made by the Special Rapporteur. This reporter was informed that the SOS is very engaged in the inauguration of projects as part of the independence celebration. We will publish her views as soon as we get them.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 22/2008, 22 – 24 February, 2008
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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