By Pa Louis Thomasi
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which includes freedom to hold opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”. Without the constitutional guarantees of such fundamental freedoms and the respect of all and sundry to safeguard these fundamental rights, independent media becomes strangulated and suffocated through self- censorship, which ultimately weakens democracy.
The press statement issued by the Gambia Armed Forces (GFA) dated May 6, 2025, and titled “Unethical Commentary and Misrepresentation of the Gambia Armed Forces by Certain Individuals” has in no uncertain terms called on “political actors, media houses, and commentators, notably West Coast Radio to exercise restraint, uphold professional ethics and avoid dragging the armed forces into political debates that have no bearing to its mission or duties”. No citizen in his or her right thinking mind will do anything (in my view) to disparage or bring into disrepute the honourable men and women in uniform, who had taken an oath to selflessly defend the territorial integrity of the nation.
However, like the judiciary and the men and women in gowns, the army as an institution is not exempted from criticism or the political discourse by the citizenry, because there is simply no perfect army (or judiciary) anywhere in the world. Security sector reform has been a top priority for the Coalition that brought Adama Barrow to the presidency, and eight years after, nothing significant has been done by the Barrow Government in this regard. This is a cause for concern that has consistently appeared on the national menu at every dining hall, captivated by a strong national narrative that has refused to fade. I am very much convinced beyond any doubt that Gambians are proud of the armed forces, and it is in our best interest not to politicise the army.
This notwithstanding, any call by the armed forces on the media in general and the specific mention of a media house in particular to” exercise restraint and uphold professional ethics” constitutes a threat to freedom of expression and opinion, most especially if issues concerning the army are the subject of discussion. The Gambia Armed Forces like other armies around the world is not the ideal institution to call on the media to exercise restraint, especially during peaceful moments when we are not threatened whatsoever by any form of conflict. The media as an entity is very much aware of the security concerns of the armed forces and cannot compromise ethical principles to bring to risk or disrepute the work of the armed forces.
The army with its unique roles is a powerful institution that is mostly “dreaded” in most countries in Sub- Saharan Africa. For the GFA to come out with such a press release, it will no doubt send cold shivers to the spines of some media houses which has a negative effect on media freedom. Every citizen, including politicians and journalists have the right to agree or disagree on all state matters irrespective of the institution that is involved. Freedom of opinion and expression are the crucial pillars on which democracy stands. Freedom of opinion in particular helps to enhance the public debate on critical national issues, most especially security sector reforms, enhances democratic participation and most importantly supports the independent press in its coverage of national events in order to enable the citizenry to make informed decisions. The media must be allowed to perform its noble duties without any form of intimidation and harassment from civilians, government officials and the security forces.
The GFA therefore must desist from any form of statement that has the potential to threaten public opinion, freedom of expression and media freedom all of which are critical components of a free, democratic and open society.
To think in itself is sacred and healthy. Moreover, to think and to be able to express your thoughts to help enrich the national discuss for the restoration of the dignity of man, is the ultimate contribution of the citizen to national development