Yadicon Njie Eribo, Chairperson of TANGO
By Buba Gagigo
The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in The Gambia (TANGO) has expressed deep concern about what it calls President Adama Barrow’s overt and covert threats against media houses, journalists, and activists in the Gambia.
In a statement released to the public, TANGO also urged the government to swiftly implement the TRRC recommendations and other reforms.
“The overt and covert threatening of media houses, journalists and activists is particularly shocking. Recent utterances by H.E. President of The Republic of The Gambia are a concern. We are conveying our concern. The exchanges on terrestrial and online media are verging on the toxic. We call on the government to swifty implement the TRRC recommendations and related reforms. We call on all civil society organisations to stay engaged and continue their crucial role of promoting democracy, transparency and accountability in governance,” they concluded.
TANGO expressed deep concern about the political climate, which they attributed to the toxic exchanges between politicians.
“On the Recent Utterances by H.E. The President of The Republic of The Gambia. It is with grave concern that the Association of Non-Governmental Organisations of The Gambia (TANGO) put out this statement with regard to the prevailing political climate. The exchanges being put out by the political class are not beneficial to and not for nurturing peace and democracy.
The statement reminded the audience of the recent authoritarian dispensation that was the Gambian polity, and how people gallantly fought to effect change.
“In December 2016, The Gambian people voted out authoritarianism and ushered in democracy peacefully. At great risk to their persons and property, they significantly changed the political landscape and remain engaged in the day-to-day running of government.” they said.
TANGO warned that recent developments, especially the shrinking of civic space, are a threat to democracy. The organization reiterated that freedom of expression, diversity of political views, and respect for the rule of law are fundamental and inviolable principles. TANGO pledged to defend these values against all threats.