Gambian President Threatens to Kill Those Who Dare to Help

By Jared Kleinman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

BANJUL, Gambia– In Monday’s television broadcast Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh, announced that he would kill “anyone who wants to destabilize this country.” Jammeh’s “exact words” in his television broadcast were, “If you think that you can collaborate with so-called human rights defenders, and get away with it, you must be living in a dream world. I will kill you, and nothing will come out of it. We are not going to condone people posing as human rights defenders to the detriment of the country. If you are affiliated with any human rights group, be rest assured that your security, and personal safety would not be guaranteed by my Government. We are ready to kill saboteurs.”

In response to Jammeh’s remarks, activists from non-governmental human rights organizations launched a campaign to have the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is currently headquartered in the Gambian capital, Banjul, removed from the country entirely. Jammeh’s threat “leads us to fear for the safety, security, and lives of ourselves and our colleagues who have to work with the… Commission,” the petition says.

Jammeh, who has ruled since taking power in a bloodless coup in 1994, has been repeatedly attacked by human rights campaigners for his repressive attitude, particularly towards the media. He came under fire earlier this month from press watchdog, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which urged Jammeh to “loosen the vice” on the media after six journalists who criticized him were jailed. The journalists spent just under a month in prison after publishing critical comments of Jammeh. They were originally given two-year jail sentences but were freed two weeks ago after receiving a presidential pardon. Despite freeing the journalists, Jammeh has kept up pressure on the media by warning journalists they could still be prosecuted for being “disrespectful”.

The President never explained what might have triggered his latest outburst, but insisted in no uncertain terms that Gambians, and non Gambians arrested on saboteur related charges would be murdered. Jammeh said his administration would no longer condone what he calls “human rights activists” in the country. The President also expressed his belief that taking people to court is a waste of time. “From now on, we will kill anyone trying to sabotage this country. Don’t be fooled by Human Rights Groups. They cannot save you from dying.” the President threatened.
For more information, please see:

Freedom Newspaper – Jammeh Threatens To Kill Saboteurs – 21 September 2009

Sydney Morning Herald – Gambia president threatens death to troublemakers – September 22, 2009

All Africa – Jammeh Threatens to Kill Human Rights Defenders – 24 September 2009

Newstime Africa – Yahya Jammeh Threatens To Kill Human Rights Workers in the Gambia– September 24th 2009

Author: Impunity Watch Archive