The Gambia

On 5 June 2008, the ECOWAS Community Court held The Gambia responsible for the disappearance of journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh. Eight years on, Manneh and his family have been denied justice as The Gambia has still not ‘released’ or payed the damages to him or his family as ordered by the ECOWAS Court.

While newspaper and official reports claim Ceesay has escaped from the hospital, many believe he has been killed.

Solo Sandeng was leading a demonstration against President Jammeh’s dictatorship and demanding electoral reforms on April 14, 2016 in the outskirts of Banjul. Along with more than 20 others he was arrested by paramilitary personnel and taken to Mile II Prison.

A letter from two US senators is asking President Jammeh to release journalist Alhagie Abdoulie Ceesay, who is being held under questionable charges and harsh conditions since his arrest nine months ago.

Free expression organisations join the Media Foundation for West Africa in calling on African regional body to pressure The Gambia to release journalist Alhagie Abdoulie Ceesay.

The victims of killings, disappearances and torture in The Gambia write to the international community to demand justice on the Day to End Impunity

Human Rights Watch’s report is based on in-depth interviews with over 35 victims and witnesses of human rights violations, including journalists, human rights defenders, student leaders, political opposition members, religious leaders, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities.

Alhagie Mam Seye was charged with “uttering words with intent to wound religious feelings” after he shared a picture of Prophet Mohammed on Facebook.

Reporters Without Borders is alarmed by the judicial uncertainty hanging over Teranga FM radio manager Alagie Ceesay, who was brought before a Banjul court on a sedition charge.

Ceesay is facing a possible fine of 50,000 to 200,000 dalasi for allegedly using his mobile phone to send a photo of a gun pointed at President Yahya Jammeh to two women on 16 July.

In a “letter from the grave” written on behalf of human rights defenders, journalists, students and activists, Gambian president Yahya Jammeh is confronted on the human rights violations committed with impunity under his 21-year rule.

In light of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Media Foundation for West Africa is highlighting the story Musa Saidykhan, who, in 2006, was arrested and tortured by Gambian security forces for exercising his right to free expression.

June 5th marked seven years since the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice ordered the government of The Gambia to release “Chief” Ebrima Manneh, a journalist who has been missing since July 2006. Unfortunately, Manneh’s whereabouts remain unknown.

June 10 2015 marked one year since the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice ordered The Gambia to pay $50,000 in damages to the family of Deyda Hydara, who was murdered over ten years ago. The Gambia has not complied with this judgment.

“The failed coup of December 23 does not justify an attempt to stifle dissent and limit access to information. The government should immediately allow the Teranga radio station to resume operations.”

“The vague and imprecise provisions of this law could be used to arrest and detain anyone who is believed to be gay or lesbian, and contributes to the already severe climate of hostility and fear for LGBTI people in the country.”