The Gambia Press Union (GPU) expresses deep concern over attempts by senior officials of the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to pressure The Republic into issuing a statement exonerating former Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou following a recent investigative report.
The story, published on April 30, 2025, titled “The Assets of Gambia’s Former Dictator Go for a Song”, raised allegations of corruption, lack of transparency, and conflict of interest in the sale of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets.
According to GPU findings, the MCG’s Executive Secretary, Bai Emil Touray, summoned The Republic’s Editor-in-Chief, Mustapha K. Darboe, to a meeting on May 6 at the NHRC offices, joined by MCG Chairperson Baboucarr Cham and NHRC Chair Emmanuel Daniel Joof. At the meeting, they outlined concerns allegedly on behalf of Tambadou, including claims that the story caused confusion, misrepresented Tambadou, and implied he was unfairly treated.
They reportedly urged Darboe to consider issuing a joint statement with Tambadou declaring that the story did not implicate him and was misunderstood. The Republic rejected the request.
The GPU affirms that The Republic’s reporting adhered to ethical standards outlined in the Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics for Journalists. “It is rather unfortunate that the MCG and NHRC leaders entertained an unacceptable agenda to shield Tambadou’s reputation, and even insinuated that Mustapha was paid to do the story. That is preposterous,” said GPU Secretary General Modou S. Joof.
According to Darboe, the MCG and NHRC also implied that legal action could follow if the joint statement was not issued—an act the GPU considers intimidation. “There is no basis for the concerns raised, especially when no ethical complaint has been formally lodged,” said GPU President Isatou Keita.
The GPU condemned the actions of the MCG and NHRC, warning that efforts to coerce or threaten journalists violate press freedom and journalistic ethics.
To protect the independence of the MCG, the GPU Board is recommending that the Council immediately relieve Executive Secretary Bai Emil Touray of his duties, stating that he no longer represents the values of the institution. The GPU will work with the Council to identify a suitable replacement.
Finally, the GPU calls on both the MCG and NHRC to cease any further acts of intimidation against Mustapha K. Darboe and The Republic. Any legitimate concerns should be submitted formally to the MCG Ethics Pane
