July 2001 Africa News Headlines

Thursday, July 19, 2001 - Web posted at 10:41:28 GMT

Gambia media told to tow line

BANJUL - The Gambian government on Tuesday warned journalists and diplomats against "damaging peace and stability" in the west African country ahead of presidential elections in October.

Foreign Minister Sedat Jobe, speaking to reporters, hit out at the "type of literature we have been reading" and said the government had the "general sentiment that most of the written press and radio stations are being sponsored by foreign embassies".

"That doesn't mean that we will muzzle the press, we just want it to be responsible, to avoid things that will create strife and articles that are not conducive to peace and stability," he said.

Jobe mentioned in particular weekend reports quoting an opposition leader, Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party, as saying the government's plans to count votes cast in the elections at administrative centres instead of polling stations could lead to violence.

-Nampa-Sapa-AFP

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