Again, GPU ask Gambia government to investigate killing of Deyda Hydara

A Living Mirror, a book on the life of Deyda Hydara by Demba Ali Jawo and Aloe Ahmed Alota (Photo: The Point)

By Modou S. Joof

The Gambia Press Union once again calls on the Government of The Gambia to investigate the 2004 killing of respected Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara and to bring the culprits to book.

“Failure to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book will only entrench a culture of impunity in our society, which is inimical to democracy,” the GPU said in a statement on Monday, nine years since the killing.

Deyda, a co-proprietor and managing editor of The Point Newspaper, was killed in a drive-by shooting by unknown gunmen. The GPU described his assassination as “gruesome and nefarious.”

“It is the responsibility of the Government to protect the right to life of all Gambians,” said GPU quoting Section 18 of the 1997 Constitution which states: “No person shall be deprived of his or her life intentionally of right to life…”

International human rights agencies have over the years called for investigations into the matter but their calls have not been heeded.

Gibairu Janneh, GPU’s Secretary General, said the accomplishment of “our crucial role as a nation would be hard to come by when rogue elements in society who negate the work of journalists enjoy the fruits of impunity.”

“The killers of Deyda Hydara must be brought to justice now,” demands Janneh, also the journalists Union’s executive director.

In 2009, six journalists leaders, editors and a publisher were jailed on sedition charges after the GPU criticised Preident Jammeh for his apparent “negative comments” on the death of Deyda Hydara.