Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL – The Gambia) – In a striking public endorsement of democratic values, The Gambia’s Ministry of Defence has been lauded for upholding media freedom and democratic norms after a controversial military statement triggered widespread criticism.

Veteran broadcaster Peter Gomez, speaking on his flagship Coffee Time show on West Coast Radio on Friday morning, thanked the Ministry of Defense for what he described as a lesson in democracy directed at the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) Directorate of Press and Public Relations.

Gomez’s remarks followed a strongly worded GAF press release condemning commentary made by retired army commander Samsudeen Sarr and former presidential candidate Essa Mbaye Faal on West Coast Radio.

The military’s statement, signed by Colonel Lamin K. Sanyang, accused the two commentators of spreading “unethical” and “misleading” narratives that could undermine public confidence in the armed forces and potentially threaten national security. The release went further, issuing a pointed warning to West Coast Radio to “uphold ethical standards” and avoid involving the military in what it termed “irrelevant political debates.”

However, Gomez, one of the country’s most influential media voices, described the GAF statement as “deliberately aiming at West Coast Radio with threats for nothing other than carrying the views of someone who is well placed to provide military analysis.” He reminded listeners that The Gambia “is not a military dictatorship anymore” and emphasized that democracy requires institutions—especially security forces—to accept public scrutiny.

“You don’t shoot the messenger,” Gomez said. “Rather, you build relationships with media personnel to foster better understanding and ensure accurate reporting of military issues.”

His comments appeared to align with the position of the Ministry of Defence, which has reportedly distanced itself from the aggressive tone of the GAF statement.

Though no formal communiqué was issued by the Ministry, sources suggest it has internally reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance and media freedoms, a move welcomed by journalists and civil society groups alike.

The incident highlights a continuing tension within The Gambia’s post-dictatorship institutions as they navigate the demands of transparency, accountability, and civilian oversight. Analysts say the military’s reaction reflects lingering sensitivities about its role during the Jammeh era, when dissent was routinely met with repression.

“This moment serves as a critical reminder that in a democracy, the role of the media is not to flatter power, but to question it—even when that power wears a uniform,” said a senior editor at a Banjul-based newspaper.

The public acknowledgment of the Defense Ministry’s stance marks a rare but important institutional alignment with democratic principles in a country still rebuilding trust in its governance structures.