Twenty-one years ago, The Independent Newspaper suffered yet another cruel blow in its battle for truth and justice. The Presidential Guards—infamously known as the “Junglers”—launched a brutal arson attack on our printing press, seeking to silence our voice and extinguish the flame of press freedom in The Gambia. 

It wasn’t their first attempt, but it was a calculated act of intimidation that targeted not only our resources but the spirit of resilience that defined The Independent.  

The aftermath was devastating. Guns and ammunition, unmistakably belonging to the perpetrators, lay amidst the chaos—tangible evidence of the regime’s determination to suppress dissent. But amidst the smoke and ash, one unassailable truth emerged: they could burn our press, but they could not extinguish our resolve.  

It was in this context that we boldly published our editorial, *We Are Back in Business*, just weeks after the attack. It was a proclamation of resilience, a promise to our readers, advertisers, and supporters that The Independent was here to stay—unbowed, undefeated, and unrelenting in its mission to serve truth and accountability.  

“We are back with a flourish,” Editor-In-Chief Abdoulie Sey and Managing Editor Alagi Yorro Jallow declared. Their words echoed through the hearts of our faithful readers, providing reassurance amidst the uncertainty and fear. The attack may have temporarily disrupted our operations, but it could not dislodge our commitment to journalistic integrity.  

The editorial was not merely a response to the assault; it was a rallying cry. It celebrated the outpouring of sympathy and support from all quarters—faithful readers, fellow journalists, human rights advocates, religious leaders, and the diplomatic community. It was a testament to the progressive value of The Independent in the eyes of the civilised world.  

But perhaps the most poignant aspect of the editorial was its reflection on the sacrifices made by those behind The Independent. We risked our lives and resources to bring unadulterated information to the Gambian people, driven by a passion for freedom and a love for our homeland. We could have walked away, choosing a life of ease and comfort. But we stayed—not because it was easy, but because it was right.  

The flames of oppression may have consumed our printing press, but they forged a resilience that remains unbroken to this day. Twenty-one years later, we remember the trials we endured, the sacrifices we made, and the unwavering commitment that kept The Independent alive.  

As we mark this sombre anniversary, we honour the legacy of resilience and courage that defines The Independent. We stand as a beacon of press freedom and accountability, a reminder that truth cannot be silenced, no matter how fierce the assault.

Part Two 

The Independent: A legacy denied justice 

This attack was not merely an attempt to destroy property; it was an effort to silence a voice that dared to challenge tyranny and stand for justice. Evidence of the regime’s brutality was undeniable: guns and ammunition left behind by the attackers, including a weapon dropped by prominent Jungler Sana Manjang during the assault, were submitted to the police as proof of the chaos inflicted. Yet, justice was denied.

Under Jammeh’s dictatorship, The Independent was a relentless target of persecution. Despite overwhelming evidence and confessions from key perpetrators, our cries for accountability were met with silence. We persevered, driven by an unwavering commitment to truth and press freedom, but the scars of injustice remain. Now, under a new government—a government we helped bring into power, believing it would champion democracy and freedom—we find ourselves facing the same denial of justice.

The Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) was established to uncover the atrocities of Jammeh’s regime and provide reparations to victims. The TRRC identified specific cases and perpetrators who must face justice in the proposed Special Tribunal for gross violations of human rights. 

Among those named were the “Junglers” who confessed to their role in the arson of The Independent’s printing press. Evidence revealed their sinister intentions to harm the newspaper’s staff and silence its voice. 

Sana Manjang, a prominent Jungler, sustained serious injuries during the attack and left behind his weapon and ammunition as evidence. Yet, while Manjang may be held accountable for other crimes, he is inexplicably exempt from facing justice for the burning of The Independent’s printing press. This raises a troubling question: why is this case excluded from judicial scrutiny?

Our exclusion from justice is not limited to the tribunal; it echoes through every opportunity for accountability. We once had the chance to bring a lawsuit against the government in the ECOWAS Court, but we chose to place our faith in the Gambian justice system. We believed in allowing justice to unfold within our nation, trusting that the democratic values we fought for would ensure fairness. 

Sadly, it has become increasingly evident that selective justice is being applied to The Independent. We find ourselves excluded from reparations, marginalized by the TRRC process, and ignored by the institutions we helped shape.

This selective justice undermines the principles of accountability that the new government claims to uphold. It diminishes the sacrifices made by The Independent—a newspaper that risked everything to defend press freedom and stand against tyranny. The flames that consumed our printing press could not extinguish our resolve, but the continued denial of justice threatens to erode the legacy we built.

We have no one to fight for us, though we have fought tirelessly for others. The Independent stood as a voice for the voiceless, a defender of truth in the face of oppression. 

Yet, when the time comes for our own story to be heard, we are met with silence. This silence is not just an injustice—it is a betrayal of the values we fought to uphold.

The Independent’s story is not just a story of persecution; it is a story of resilience, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. It is a story that deserves to be heard, recognized, and honored. As we advocate for our case, we call on the government to honour its commitment to justice. 

We call on the Victims Reparation Committee to consider the immense persecution endured by The Independent and ensure its rightful place among those who suffered under Jammeh’s regime. Exclusion from the TRRC must not translate to exclusion from justice.

Justice delayed is justice denied. The Independent’s legacy is one of sacrifice and perseverance—a legacy that has shaped the landscape of press freedom in The Gambia. It is a legacy that must not be forgotten. 

The road to justice is long, but it is a road we must walk together, guided by the principles of truth, accountability, and the unwavering belief that every voice deserves to be heard.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow  

The author is an award-winning veteran journalist and former managing editor of the now defunct Independent Newspaper. 

PS
Photo: This is the weapon wielded by Sana Manjang and his associates in the devastating attack on The Independent Printing Press. The gun’s serial number is MAB P.15 # 15 PXT0294, originating from France. Its involvement in such a significant incident underscores the gravity of the situation.