Gambian artists attend freedom of expression workshop

The event was open to musicians, theatre workers, filmmakers and producers, all of whom were educated on freedom of expression and access to information in the Gambia.

The event, which was held at Baobab Hotel in Bijilo, was funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and the training was part of the union’s plans to enhance media and government relations.

Some of the speakers at the event include the GPU's secretary-general Saikou Jammeh and its programme manager Lamin Jahateh. The latter told attendees that a book he had written was banned by the Yahya Jammeh regime because "they didn't like" a photo of the president's wife as used in the book.

Jahateh said the union supported freedom of expression and access to information. “Our main aim is to ensure that people are well-informed, educated and entertained,” he said. “When we were applying for the democratic fund, one of our components was to engage media, filmmakers, artists and producers to discuss freedom of expression. We all know that GPU’s role is central in term of access to information.”

Jahateh added that freedom of expression and access to information were central to the arts industry, as artists needed to create works that pushd boundaries and promoted debate."

The director general of the National Centre for Arts and Culture, Hassoum Ceesay, said the media felt alone in campaigning for freedom of speech. “People used to think that when freedom of expression is talked about, it is only a fight for journalists but now we the artists have understood that we have a role to play in freedom of expression and access to information,” he said.

Gambia Collective Society secretary-general Sheriff Kanuteh highlighted that all Gambians had the right to freedom of expression. “I am glad that the GPU has now decided to use the most effective tools to campaign for freedom of expression by engaging the arts industry,” he said.

Kanuteh also called on those present at the event to assist the GPU in its campaign to improve the freedom of expression in the Gambia.