The National Assembly on Monday 14th September 2020, denied  entry of all media houses except QTV, Eye Africa TV and the state broadcaster, GRTS  to cover the sitting on the bill that seeks to repeal the 1997 constitution and promulgate the 2020 constitution.

Irate reporters from diverse media houses stood outside the parliament while proceedings were on, thus, unable to gather first hand information.

The editor of Gainako Flex Dan, wrote: “I was stopped from entering the National Assembly building to cover the First Reading of the Constitution Bill 2020. Officers said only QTV, GRTS and Eye Africa TV were invited. This is unfortunate because even if they want to restrict the media due to Covid-19, they should have come up with a comprehensive policy and not cherry-picking media houses,”

Kemeseng Sanneh, also a journalist, wrote: “The National Assembly has decided to discriminate against the private media. This is unacceptable, and a disregard for press freedom, which must be acted upon as soon as possible”.

Furious Sanneh added “This is a state event and all media institutions should be allowed to make reporting. The National Assembly should have taken necessary steps in organizing today’s event due to Covid-19. We have been covering events at the National Assembly since March and we have been taking all the required measures,”

In light of the above, the body responsible for the welfare of journalists in the country, The Gambia Press Union (GPU) issued an impromptu statement confirming to the members of the media that they were engaging with the relevant authorities of the National Assembly to allow media houses access to cover the procession.

“This is in reaction to the disturbing information from reporters on the ground that only certain media outlets are allowed entry into the Assembly. While that discussion is ongoing, we wish to make it clear that the GPU was not involved or aware of any plan or communication to limit the number of media outlets covering such an important National Assembly proceeding today,” the statement  confirmed.

The statement further reads: “We could not have been involved in any such discriminatory scheme. We are of course aware that because of the physical distancing arrangements in the gallery at the National Assembly, the number of people to be admitted would be limited.  However, in such instances, what would have been the most ideal thing is to have prior discussion with all media houses, particularly those that constantly cover the Assembly sessions, to make sure all are accommodated somehow. Meanwhile, the outcome of the discussion with the Assembly authorities will be communicated in due course.”

The honorable member for Serekunda, Halifa Sallah, made a motion demanding the speaker to revert her decision and allow access to media houses that were interested to cover the discussion. “If we fail to do that, Hon Speaker, the integrity of this National Assembly will be questioned. Hon Speaker the National Human Rights Commission is set up to eradicate violation of fundamental rights and freedom and we should not allow this National Assembly to be associated with any history that will show that we are discriminating anyone,”  Honorable Sallah emphasized

The speaker however, said, she cannot retrovet  her decision and grant Mr. Sallah’s request immediately but promised to take note of his observation and consult with the office of the clerk.

“Hon Member, with all due respect, I have taken your observation but I don’t think it is fair to force me to take a decision immediately. I cannot accede to that request. It is something that we will take note of and I will consult with the office of the Clerk. The essential thing is that I cannot make a decision immediately after all, you have thought of it and I don’t think of it. I think it is only fair for me to take it into consideration and see how best we can work it out.” She noted!

By: Fatoumatta Samateh