Modou S. Joof Says GPU Trained More Than 100 Journalists for Election Coverage

Gambia Press Union Secretary General Modou S. Joof says the organisation has trained more than 100 journalists as the country prepares for its December 5 presidential election. Appearing on QTV’s This Morning programme, Joof described the training as part of a wider effort to help reporters work safely and limit threats and intimidation during election coverage. Joof said the GPU has held around five safety training sessions since January. The latest course, which ended on Wednesday, covered election reporting, countering hate speech, physical and digital security, and awareness of hazardous environments. Participants also received first-aid safety kits for use while reporting on the election. According to Joof, the courses were organised with Reporters Without Borders and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. He said journalists need to be safe if they are to give voters reliable information that helps them make informed decisions. He also warned that threats to reporters can undermine their ability to do that work. The union has also been seeking dialogue with security bodies and political parties. Joof said it had held five engagements with police this year, including discussions involving military personnel, police prosecutors and state prosecutors. The GPU has also met political parties through the Inter-Party Committee. He identified police officers and party supporters as sources of physical attacks and verbal abuse against journalists, and said inflammatory remarks from political leaders can contribute to incidents. The union’s latest pre-deployment meeting brought together 40 police officers expected to work during the election and about 30 journalists. Joof said those discussions addressed press freedom, freedom of expression, journalists’ constitutional role in holding public officials accountable, and reporters’ access to information. The aim, he said, was to improve understanding between journalists and security personnel and prevent unnecessary restrictions on media movements during election coverage.