Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Point newspaper, a stalwart of independent journalism in The Gambia, celebrates its 33rd anniversary today. However, this milestone is tinged with sadness as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the murder of Deyda Hydara, the paper’s co-founder and a champion of press freedom, whose killers remain unpunished.

In a poignant editorial on Monday, the newspaper has called for the prosecution of Deyda Hydara’s killers. 

As The Point celebrates its legacy, it calls on President Adama Barrow’s government to prioritize justice for Hydara and others who suffered under Jammeh’s regime. The editorial underscores the urgent need for media reforms, including the repeal of restrictive laws, government subventions for private media, and access to land for office premises.

Hydara was assassinated on December 16, 2004, by the notorious “Junglers,” an elite hit squad operating under former dictator Yahya Jammeh. Testimonies before The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) revealed chilling details: the hitmen—Malick Jatta, Alieu Jeng, and Sanna Manjang—carried out the execution on Jammeh’s orders and were rewarded with $1,000 each.

While Jatta and Jeng remain free in The Gambia, Manjang has reportedly sought refuge in Guinea-Bissau.

The TRRC’s findings confirmed Jammeh’s regime’s complicity in Hydara’s death and recommended prosecution of the perpetrators.

Yet, two decades later, justice remains elusive, frustrating Hydara’s family and advocates of press freedom who have relentlessly sought accountability.

The anniversary of Hydara’s death serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices journalists make in the fight for freedom of expression. It also highlights The Gambia’s ongoing struggle with transitional justice.

As the country implements TRRC recommendations, Gambians are increasingly impatient for decisive action to prosecute perpetrators of gross human rights violations.

Hydara’s murder marked a dark chapter in Gambian journalism but also galvanized the media’s resilience. The sector has since witnessed growth, with an increase in media outlets and journalism training programs.

However, challenges persist, including draconian media laws, rising operational costs, and delayed payments for government adverts and subscriptions. These issues hinder the media’s ability to thrive as the Fourth Estate and vital partner in national development.

For Gambians, justice for Deyda Hydara represents more than closure; it is a litmus test for the country’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Hydara’s life and work continue to inspire young journalists, reminding the nation of the enduring importance of a free and fearless press.

Justice delayed is justice denied—a message that rings louder as The Gambia reflects on this poignant anniversary.