The Association of Non-governmental Organizations in The Gambia (TANGO), on Monday, 9th October 2023, released the following statement to the press:
“It is with grave concern that the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations of The Gambia (TANGO) put out this statement about the prevailing political climate.
“The exchanges being put out by the political class are not beneficial to and not for nurturing peace and democracy.
“In December 2016, the Gambian people voted out authoritarianism and ushered in democracy peacefully. At great risk to their person and property, they significantly changed the political landscape and remained engaged in the day-to-day running of Government.”
“The recent developments have raised concerns, particularly in what appears to be the shrinking of the civil space.
“Fundamental freedom such as expression, the divergence of political views, and respect for the rule of law are very important tenets of democracy that are non-negotiable.
“TANGO will not rest on its laurels in such a prevailing political climate where media houses, journalists, and activists are threatened.
“The President’s recent utterances are very worrying and concerning to TANGO, prompting the organization to react this way.
“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 concerns.”
“The exchanges on terrestrial and online media are verging on the toxic. We call on the Government to swiftly implement the TRRC recommendations and related reforms.”
TANGO reportedly convened an “emergency meeting” after circulating the press statement.
Yadicon Njie Eribo, the chairperson of TANGO, was contacted for information on the meeting, and she asked TAT to visit TANGO’s Facebook page.
They held an emergency meeting on recent utterances made by President Adama Barrow.
