Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has raised serious concerns over reports that President Adama Barrow is contemplating legal action against The Voice newspaper following its publication of a story on September 23rd. The article claimed that President Barrow had chosen a successor as part of a broader exit strategy, a claim that has sparked political and media attention.

In a statement, the GPU criticized the potential lawsuit as an unnecessary move that threatens press freedom in The Gambia. “We consider the threat of legal action as unnecessary and a threat to press freedom,” the Union stated. The GPU further reiterated its call for President Barrow to honor his previous commitments to uphold press freedom, urging him to demonstrate tolerance for independent journalism by abandoning the idea of taking legal action against The Voice.

The newspaper has defended its publication, noting that the story adhered to journalistic principles of balance and fairness as outlined in the Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics for Journalists, the code of conduct governing media professionals in The Gambia. According to the GPU, the newspaper provided a platform for two senior officials from President Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) to respond to the claims made in the report, ensuring that both sides of the story were adequately represented.

The GPU’s intervention comes amid episodic concerns of local media and journalists about the state of press freedom in the country. While President Barrow has previously promised to foster a free and open media landscape, actions such as this potential lawsuit have raised doubts about his administration’s commitment to these ideals. The GPU called on the President to set an example of tolerance and respect for media independence, encouraging him to drop any legal threats immediately.

The incident also underscores the tension between the media and political leadership, especially as Gambia continues its post-dictatorship journey towards democratization. Journalists and media organizations in the country have been advocating for greater protections in the face of potential government pressures, particularly when reporting on sensitive political matters.

The outcome of this situation could have far-reaching implications for press freedom in The Gambia. Should President Barrow proceed with legal action, it could signal a shift towards more confrontational tactics against the media, a move that many fear could erode the country’s fragile democratic gains.

The GPU ended its statement with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to respect the role of the media in promoting accountability and transparency, and encouraging President Barrow to work with the press rather than resort to legal threats.