Authority Stut Down Two Radio Stations in Gambia Over Yahya Jammeh Refusal To Step Down

Since Jammeh’s shocking poll defeat, radio stations in The Gambia, which were known for only playing music and sports programs started political reporting, an indication that the strongman has lost grip of power.

Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh has ordered the abrupt closure of two private radios stations, Terenga FM and Hill Top Radio stations after the stations aired debates on the country’s political crisis in which panelists were very critical of the authoritarian ruler.

Secret service agents from the Gambia’s National Intelligence Agency were dispatched to Terenga FM and Hill Top Radio stations to enforce the order, according to reports from Banjul. No official reason has been forwarded by authorities for the closure.

 “The radio stations are being widely listened to,” said Saikou Jammeh, Secretary General of the Gambia Press Union, and “taking advantage of the unique opportunities the radio offers for people to get news and debates of the political situation anytime, anywhere and even in local languages.”

Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh may be going after such radio station to subdue them as his battles to hold on to power and regain his lost popularity.

Gambia’s media laws have been repressive. It gave rise to online radio stations and newspapers in the diaspora that are very critical of Mr. Jammeh and exposed his government’s corruption and rights abuses.