By Sally Fatty
Baboucarr Ceesay, former First Vice President of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), called for the protection of free and independent media.
He made these remarks at the commemoration of world press freedom day over the weekend at Bakadaji Hotel.
He commended the Gambia Press Union (GPU), civil society groups, and media practitioners for their unwavering dedication to defending press freedom and freedom of expression. According to Ceesay, their courage in “speaking truth to power” plays a vital role in safeguarding democracy.
Ceesay, however warned of growing challenges facing the media, particularly attempts to suppress press freedom under the guise of regulatory measures. He emphasized that without a free and independent press, societies risk plunging into authoritarianism—characterized by corruption, lack of accountability, and the silencing of dissent.
“A world without press freedom is one where citizens are denied access to credible information,” he said. “Such conditions create room for manipulation, deepen inequality, and allow human rights abuses to go unchecked.”he added.
Reflecting on the historical day, highlighted the landmark gathering of African journalists on May 3, 1991, in Windhoek, Namibia, under a UNESCO seminar. Among those present was the late Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara, who was later assassinated in what many described as an attack on democracy
“On May 3, 1991, African journalists convened at a transformative UNESCO seminar in Windhoek, Namibia, attended by the distinguished journalist, the late Deyda Hydara who was murdered in cold blood by enemies of democracy.
This pivotal event led to the establishment of The Windhoek Declaration, a bold initiative to champion independent and pluralistic media across Africa.
Later that same year, UNESCO’s General Conference formally endorsed this Declaration, reinforcing its significance.
In December 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 3rd as World Press Freedom Day, a decisive recognition of the importance of press freedom.” said Baboucarr Ceesay
He concluded by stressing that World Press Freedom is a day set aside to reflect and assess the state of press freedom and renew commitment to honour slain journalists in line of duty.
