A Gambia Press Union delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) on Tuesday to discuss issues relating to the working relationship between the media and the Commission.

The GPU delegation, led by Sheriff Bojang Jr, President of the country’s umbrella union and professional organisation for journalists, was received in audience by Dr Baba Galleh Jallow, the Executive Secretary of the TRRC.

Saikou Jammeh, the GPU Secretary General, said: “It pleases us, greatly, that one of our own is leading this important national process and we are here to convey our delight about that and to offer our support to the work that you do to make it a success.

“The Truth Commission is important to the media. We follow it keenly because no category of people suffered from the rights abuses and violations the way the media did. We are therefore interested in working with the commission towards addressing those many and severe violations of the rights of media professionals.”

The meeting also discussed issues around improving the environment for news coverage of the TRRC processes by journalists, including offering continuous training programmes for journalists covering the Commission.

Dr Baba Galleh Jallow, a veteran journalist, said: “I am happy and honoured for your visit. And I am proud to be part of the GPU.”

He spoke on the importance of the TRRC to the media and provided guidance to the GPU leadership on how to effectively engage with the TRRC towards addressing violations of the rights of media professionals.

He added: “There will be institutional hearings and there is an interest in getting the GPU to make a case before the Commission.”

Dr Jallow clarified a number of issues surrounding media coverage of the TRRC and assured that his office is ready and willing to support the work of the journalists, especially those covering the TRRC. He offered to provide access to internet facilities and a space for journalists to work from.

“I particularly welcome the idea of follow up training programmes for journalists. It is necessary and we will look into it.”