Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia’s journalism community is in mourning following the death of Fatou Samba, a senior journalist at Gambia Talent Television, whose fearless reporting and unwavering dedication to the truth inspired colleagues and audiences alike.
Fatou Samba was known for her tireless commitment to shining a light on issues of public interest. Throughout her career, she embodied the core values of journalism: courage, integrity, and an unrelenting pursuit of the facts. Her colleagues remember her as a journalist who was never afraid to speak out, even when the stakes were high.
The shock of her passing has reverberated through the media fraternity, with tributes pouring in from friends, family, and colleagues who remember her as both a fierce professional and a kind soul.
Her husband and CEO of Gambia Talent Television, Pa Ousman Joof, expressed his heartbreak and disbelief: “Why did you do this to me, Fatou Samba? May your soul rest in peace.”
Halimatou Ceesay, a promotional colleague and friend, shared her sorrow: “We studied journalism together at Insight, and you were instrumental in the formation of the Student Union. You became my campaign manager and worked hard to get me elected. Fatou Samba, this is a painful truth we are struggling to digest.”
For Kexx Sanneh, a legal affairs journalist, the news of Fatou’s passing remains difficult to accept: “I was just with her on Thursday, and she was healthy and full of energy. Fatou was a kind colleague full of love, smiles, and genuine kindness. Her loss is a blow to the entire media fraternity and the country for her dedication to bringing societal issues directly to the doorsteps of many.”
In a statement, the United Democratic Party leader H.E. ANM Ousainou Darboe, the National Executive, and the Central Committee say they learned with shock of the passing of journalist Fatou Samba, country coordinator of Gambia Talents TV. “We join the nation in mourning this profound loss and extend deepest sympathies to her husband, Pa Ousman Joof (a fellow journalist), the Samba family, and the Gambia Press Union,” the statement reads.
Women’s rights advocate Aji Kumba Daffeh also paid tribute to Fatou’s commitment and energy: “Fatou Samba was among the first young women I encountered when I returned to The Gambia in 2010. Her eagerness to learn and her passion for journalism and the microphone were truly unmatched. I also fondly remember the deep bond she shared with her father, Uncle Badou Samba, a relationship that always felt more like that of a granddaughter and grandfather.”
The Mayor of Kanifing, Talib Ahmed Bensouda said, “Fatou Samba, a rare treasure in Gambian Journalism, she is an amazing person who always brings joy to my office. She has been a positive figure in Gambias media fraternity, her loss a at such a young age is devastating for both her family and the country.”
Fatou Samba’s sudden death leaves a void in the journalism community and in the hearts of all who knew her. Her tireless efforts to amplify voices and speak truth to power will serve as an enduring legacy for The Gambia’s media landscape. She will be deeply missed.
The Gambia Journal extends its deepest condolences to Fatou Samba’s family, her husband, and the entire media fraternity. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
