Sections
DONATE
SUPPORT WWW.JOLLOFNEWS.COM
Account Login
Deyda’s Assassination Goes External
Sunday, 12 June 2011 00:59
(JollofNews) - The Gambia government’s willingness to allow an international independent investigation into the unsolved
murder of Deyda Hydara and disappearance of Chief Ebrima Manneh - both journalists - clearly indicates that the regime has finally bowed down to mounting pressures. The Gambia government had ruled out previous attempts to allow external investigations into Mr. Hydara’s murder, despite demands by the Gambia Press Union.Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) made the revelation while addressing concerns of Arthur West, Campaign Chairperson for Human Rights in the
Gambia. Mr. West has not been at eased with “critical human rights situation in the Gambia.” He asked what measures are being taken by the Foreign Office to pressurize Gambian authorities to “respect human rights and to investigate politically-motivated killings.” Mr. West was pleased that “the Gambia government has acquiesced to our repeated calls and has now committed to request international support to facilitate investigations into the disappearance of Chief Ebrima Manneh and murder of Deyda Hydara. We await a formal request from the Gambian side, and once received, we will facilitate contact for international support for investigations into both cases through the United Nations and Commonwealth,” he said.
Since its inception, the Scotland-based Campaign for Human Rights in the Gambia has recorded significant achievements by working closely with the FCO, senior politicians, pro-democracy group and human rights organizations to address the West African country’s depressing human rights situation. Through its Campaign Officer, Alieu Badara Ceesay, the campaign got big boost in July last year when it secured British and Scottish parliaments opposition to the abuse of human rights in the Gambia. This was through parliamentary motions in both houses with cross party support.
The Gambia government is also under intense pressure by both the Commonwealth and European Union to repeal the Criminal Code, an obnoxious media law that allows prosecution of journalists on sedition and false publication charges. "We will emphasis to the Gambians that the credibility of the Presidential elections later this year will be an important indicator of the Gambia`s genuine commitment to progress towards democracy and the rule of law,” the FCO said in a letter, promising to press Gambian authorities to act on the “agreed commitments they have made during the Article 8 discussions few months ago.
EU budget support to the Gambia has been suspended since April 2010 and will be reviewed at the end of 2011. Despite numerous calls by the Gambia government, the suspension can only be lifted provided the overall political and human rights conditions have improved in the country.
In the run-up to presidential polls this year, the body is concerned about lack of improvements on freedoms of expression, media and political party activities.
For Alieu Badara Ceesay, it’s a question of “wait and see” whether the Gambia government will honour its promise to allow external investigations into the disappearance of Manneh and Hydara’s assassination, considering the regime’s track records of reneging its promises.
Written by JollofNews
Jollofnews Poll
Who do you think should be the next President of The Gambia?
Follow us on Twitter
-
VIDEO: The skyscrapers London never sawLondon's skyline would look very different today if some of the plans for towers and...
-
Signs of Tunisia recovery; Europe weighs: IMFWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Tunisia's economy is showing signs of revival after popular protests last year...
-
Bristol Rovers Speed Merchant Could Be Racing To Posh(GamSports) – Peterborough United are thought to be one of a number of Championship sides...
Comments
It would be logical and highly commendable if the APRC government were to allow an external investigation into the unlawful killing of Mr Hydara and the disappearance of Chief Manneh.
The value to the honour of The Gambia and to family of these highly considered gentlemen deserves nothing less.
One should never makes accusations without proof.
I for one wish the outcome will raise the right issues and exhonerate all victims of false accusations...and restore all to some semblance of credibility.
But most importantly...I pray that any investigation would lead to the truth and to the explanations as to what happened...and possible leads to a just and successful prosecution.
My heartfelt condolancies to the families...concerned.
This has just been too long.
When the Scottish & UK parliaments held a debate on The Gambian situation,some naive Jammeh supporters,beli eving Jammeh's empty rhetoric,questi oned the effects it will have on the country.
They believe that Jammeh gets money from 'Allah's central bank' to implement his projects.And these are 'educated' people,some of whom live in the west & USA.
The EU just cut funding to The Gambia by a mere 20% and already Jammeh is buckling under the pressure.
We ought to remember that over 80% of The Gambia's development budget comes from external funding. Without Gadhaffi,Iran or even Taiwan (western & US influenced),Jam meh has no substitute for western backed funding.
Comment
A “million miles journey starts with a step”; unwillingness & feet dragging turning to willingness? All & every deed/s WILL got to be attested for; here/hereafter; May all perpetrators & part players be rewarded in kind, for the gruesome murders & untold sufferings being perpetrated in our beloved Gambia since July 1994 & counting; some lights shining at end of tunnel?
The world is in no mood for such callous brutality. These people who have died and disappeared have families that love and care about them and surely they would want to see justice done NOW!
What worked for such African dictators as Idi Amin, Bokassa, Sekou Touray and others, cannot work today because the instantaneous flow of information has rendered government secrecy obselete.
By seeking another term in office, given what has happened in the past under his leadership, i think Jammeh is inviting trouble and WHEN it comes i am doubtful that he would emerge unscathed.
The writing is on the wall Mr. Jammeh, i think you should leave, because you have got a lot more that you came with in that seat of power.
In order to get good evidence, witness protection must be considered and those in exile both in Senegal and other places who have information, should be contacted and it would be great if they volunteer information that could help any potential investigation.
I am absolutely convinced that those who have information and are still in Gambia would hesitate to volunteer that information, therefore i do not see any investigation making any headway without witness protection.
RSS feed for comments to this post.