My Tiny Feed

allafrica.com

Gambia: President Withdraws Lawsuit Against Newspaper

Gambian President withdraws lawsuit against newspaper after intervention by CPJ and local groups.

English

Nigeria

PoliticsAfricaLawsuitPress FreedomJournalistsGambia

Committee To Protect Journalists (Cpj)The Voice NewspaperGambian Press UnionNewspaper Publishers' AssociationNational Human Rights Commission

Adama BarrowMusa Sekour SheriffMomodou Justice DarboeAngela QuintalEmmanuel Joof

What role did the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) play in this case?: The CPJ played a significant role in advocating for the withdrawal of the lawsuit and the dropping of the charges, writing letters to President Barrow and the National Human Rights Commission. Their actions, along with those of local media and human rights groups, resulted in the positive outcome.
What broader implications does this case have for press freedom and freedom of expression in Gambia?: The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Gambia regarding press freedom and freedom of expression. While this outcome is positive, it underscores the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to protect journalists from undue legal pressures.
What prompted Gambian President Adama Barrow to withdraw the defamation lawsuit against The Voice newspaper?: Gambian President Adama Barrow withdrew a defamation lawsuit against The Voice newspaper and its editor-in-chief, Musa Sekour Sheriff, following appeals from various groups including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). This decision is seen as a positive step for press freedom in Gambia.
Which local organizations participated in mediating the conflict, and what was the outcome of their efforts?: Local groups including the Gambian Press Union, Newspaper Publishers' Association, and representatives of the Media Council met with President Barrow to discuss the case. Their intervention and mediation efforts contributed significantly to the president's decision to withdraw the lawsuit.
What charges were initially filed against The Voice's editor and a colleague, and what was the basis for these charges?: The charges against Sheriff and his colleague, Momodou Justice Darboe, stemmed from an article alleging President Barrow's exit plan and successor choice for the 2026 election. These charges, initially including false publication and broadcasting, are expected to be dropped before their next court appearance.

Jan 22, 13:12

Somali President Awarded for Leadership in State-Building and Counterterrorism

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud won the Africa Presidential Leadership Award for his exceptional leadership in state-building, securing debt relief, and advancing counterterrorism initiatives, highlighting Somalia's progress under his guidance.

Jan 22, 04:11

Canary Islands Demands EU Solidarity Amid Record Migrant Arrivals

Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo met with EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner in Strasbourg to discuss the record number of irregular migrant arrivals in 2024 (almost 47,000), highlighting the strain on the archipelago and demanding greater EU solidarity and resource allocation.

Jan 22, 13:12

Eyadéma's Long Rule: Economic Development and Complex Legacy in Togo

Gnassingbé Eyadéma's 38-year rule in Togo (1967-2005) saw significant economic development through phosphate exploitation, infrastructure development, tourism investment, and a strong military, while his active diplomacy positioned Togo internationally, leaving a complex legacy.

Jan 21, 22:09

Canary Islands Face Record Migrant Arrivals, Demand Increased EU Support

The Canary Islands saw nearly 47,000 irregular migrant sea arrivals in 2024, an 18% increase from 2023, exceeding the islands' capacity and prompting calls for increased EU support and a fairer distribution of responsibility.