DCMF’s latest report reflects on the
challenges facing Gambian journalists after fleeing their country.
DCMF
has released its latest research report
Perils
of being in exile: the plight of Gambian exiled journalists which
sheds light on the situation of Gambian journalists living in exile.
Press
freedom in The Gambia has significantly deteriorated under the rule of
President Jammeh, who has repeatedly accused journalists of being “unpatriotic
citizens”. His public comments on press freedom and journalism have raised
questions over the role of the Gambian government in numerous attacks and the
harassment of local media workers.
On July 3, the National Assembly passed amendments
to Gambia's Information and Communications Act. Among other things, these
amendments impose a fine of 3 million GMD (US$96,000) or 15 years imprisonment
or both, for anyone convicted of spreading “false news against the government
or public officials; inciting dissatisfaction or instigating violence against
the government or public officials or caricaturing, abusing or making
derogatory statements against the person or character of officials.”
This
climate of fear and insecurity has pushed a growing number of Gambian
journalists to flee.
This
research was commissioned to the Inter African Network for Women, Media, Gender
and Development (FAMEDEV), a Dakar-based organisation which collaborated with a
group of Gambian and Senegalese researchers to conduct the study.
The
research shows that more than 110 Gambian journalists fled home due to
work-related persecution since 1994, following the military coup that brought
President Jammeh and the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) to
power.
All
Gambian journalists interviewed for this research cited threats of arrest,
physical aggression and death threats as their main reasons for going into
exile.
The
majority of Gambian exiled journalists now live in neighbouring Senegal, but an
increasing number have found refuge in Europe and North America.
The
research points to a worrying trend: between 2005 and 2010, the number of
Gambian journalists fleeing persecution tripled – a clear indication that the
repression of journalists continues to rise in The Gambia.
Out
of the 16 Gambian journalists interviewed for this study, only two continue to
exercise their profession as journalists and have managed to regulate their
legal situation as refugees.
On
top of legal problems, Gambian exiled journalists also have to deal with
language barriers, a lack of financial resources and the presence of Gambian
security agents in their country of asylum.
However,
a number of online papers and radio stations have been created by journalists
in exile to overcome the high levels of censorship from home. Among these are Maafanta, Kibaaro, Gainako, Senegambia News, Freedom Newspaper and Online Radio,
Alternative Voice for
Gambians (AVG) radio and the Gambia
Echo. As internet access and social media become more accessible in
The Gambia, exiled media outlets are beginning to make an impact at home.
However,
low literacy rates and low internet access continue to limit their reach.
President Jammeh has repeatedly delivered threats to Gambian journalists in
exile who intend to come back home and has recently signed into law severe
penalties for offences relating to online journalism.
With
limited financial resources, managers of exiled media have difficulties paying
reporters in The Gambia, their primary sources of information who work with the
fear of being denounced or arrested. As journalists living in a foreign land,
the majority of Gambian exiled journalists also remain largely isolated from
opportunities to expand their skills.
All
Gambian exiled journalists interviewed for this research therefore advocate for
increased support from international media organisations and media houses
through vocational training and advocacy.
It
is hoped that this report will raise awareness about the situation of Gambian
exiled journalists and serve as a starting point for further action towards the
promotion and protection of press freedom in The Gambia.
Click
here to download the entire report.
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