Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice has called for the immediate resignation of three senior public figures, alleging improper conduct in response to a recent investigative report on corruption.

In a statement, the EFSCRJ, condemned what it described as “pressuring of a journalist to retract a corruption story” involving former justice minister Abubacarr Tambadou.

The call follows a public statement from the Gambia Press Union (GPU), which criticised the leadership of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Gambia Media Council for allegedly attempting to coerce The Republic’s editor-in-chief, Mustapha K Darboe, into disavowing his outlet’s investigation.

The article in question, published on 30 April 2025, scrutinised the sale of assets once owned by former president Yahya Jammeh, claiming they were disposed of in a manner lacking transparency.

The EFSCRJ has singled out Emmanuel Joof, chair of the NHRC, Bai Emil Touray, executive secretary of the Media Council, and Baboucarr Cham, chair of the same body, accusing them of acting contrary to their institutional mandates. Both Touray and Cham also serve as commissioners of the Information Commission.

“These actions, even if indirect, constitute undue interference in press freedom and undermine the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law,” the group said.

The Gambia Media Council was established by the GPU to promote journalistic ethics and professional standards. Meanwhile, the NHRC and the Information Commission are seen as pillars of the country’s human rights and good governance frameworks.

The EFSCRJ stated that the alleged conduct of the officials threatens the credibility of these bodies, and urged the National Assembly to initiate steps to replace them in the interest of protecting the integrity of the institutions.

The group also reiterated its support for the GPU and called on the government to launch a criminal investigation into the Ministerial Committee responsible for handling Jammeh’s seized assets.

There has been no immediate response from the NHRC, the Gambia Media Council, or the individuals named in the statement.

By Adama Makasuba