Gambian Legislator condemns closure of Radio Stations

By Pierre Njie
The National Assembly Member for Serrekunda West, Honorable Madi M.K Ceesay has condemned the Barrow government’s decision to close two private radio stations; Digital Home FM and King FM, since 26th January 2020, during a protest staged by the Operation 3 Years Jotna Movement.
Speaking to our reporter via phone on Saturday, 8th February, Hon. Ceesay said it was out of place for the government of President Barrow to shut down the two radio stations during the anti-government protest by a group called “Operation 3 Years Jotna”. The protesters have demanded for President Barrow’s resign following his campaign promise to serve for 3 years.
According to Hon. Ceesay, the closure will affect Gambia’s credibility on press freedom, and it will stain the country’s democratic credentials.
“Closure of the two private radio stations will also have a negative impact on our country. The negative impact it might cause would be greater than what was achieved. It is very unfortunate that we are slightly falling back to poor media environment. The closure is not only a high handedness, but may lead to self-censorship,” he remarked.
The two radio stations, Home Digital FM and King FM were closed down following the allegation of the government spokesman, Ebrima G. Sankareh that the radio stations were engaging themselves in incendiary remarks.
The allegations from both Ebrima G. Sankareh, Government Spokesperson and Information Minister Ebrima Sillah, were that the two private radio stations have opened their airwaves during the anti-government protest, allowing callers to call in while encouraging others to join the protesters in the streets.
Our reporter made efforts in reaching out to Home Digital FM in Brikama but he found the personnel of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) guarding the place.