The legacy of Deyda Hydara is being kept alive as Gambian journalists revisited his struggle for freedom and democracy that may have cost him his life.
Gambia Press Union (GPU) President, Muhammadu S. Bah, said Deyda Hydara and those who put their life on the line, deserve recognition, saying without them the press union would not have existed.
The Point co-founder and Agence France Presse (AFP) correspondent was assassinated by President Yahya Jammeh’s hit squad on December 16, 2004. In a landmark interview with the Freednewspaper’s Pa Nderry Mbai, Bai Lowe first shined a light on the circumstances surrounding the murder of an emblematic figure in Gambian journalism. Bai Lowe is currently standing trial over the murder of Hydara in Celle, Germany.
Bah acknowledged the fact that Deyda Hydara defied the hostile environment prevailing under the watch of Gambia’s former longtime ruler as he was bent on fulfilling his duty to inform.
He then drew a parallel with the current democratic dispensation, allowing journalists to do their job without fear of being persecuted.
“However, The Point newspaper will continue its advocacy in promoting freedom and democracy,” he added.
Baba Hydara, son of the slain journalist, reminded everyone about the dedication of his father to serve the truth.
As the Westfield-based newspaper celebrated last Friday its 31st anniversary, Baba Hydara lauded the initiative taken by the press union and its partners to celebrate the life of his father, described by many observers as an “icon” in the country’s media history.
He said it is a mark of recognition for him to be given the opportunity to address the gathering.
“What was in the dark has come to light through the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC),” he added while indicating that he has been traveling back and forth to Germany to attend as plaintiff the trial of a former member of Jammeh’s killer squad, which is being held in the town of Celle, about 35 km from Northeast Hanover, Germany.
“My father fought for press freedom, rule of law. He was a role model to many young journalists,” he remarked.
For his part, Pap Saine, co-founder of The Point newspaper and Deyda Hydara’s longtime friend, shined a light on his journalistic career.
According to him, Deyda Hydara joined Agence France Presse in 1974 and was their Banjul-based correspondent up to his untimely death in December 2004.
From 1982, he went on, Hydara added another string to his bow with Reporters Without Borders (RSF), adding he served as their correspondent till 1989.
Other speakers included former GPU Prexy Bai Emile Touray, Freedom House’s Demba Kandeh and Lamin Jahateh who previously held the position of Program Manager at the press union.
