Amie Joof-Cole stands as a shining beacon, an exemplary role model, and a resplendent lighthouse for generations to come. A doyenne of journalism, a passionate advocate for gender equality, and a fearless champion of press freedom and democracy, she embodies the very essence of dedication and resilience.  

As we honour this remarkable woman today, we reflect on her outstanding contributions to the fields of journalism, gender advocacy, and the fight for a free press. Her tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the social, political, and human rights landscape of The Gambia.

Through her unwavering commitment, Amie Joof-Cole has made profound and lasting contributions to national development, inspiring many in the process.

While many other Gambian women have equally played pivotal roles in advancing democracy, press freedom, and women’s empowerment, Amie Joof-Cole’s towering legacy holds a special place in our hearts.

Her impact transcends her field, resonating deeply with pro-democracy activists and feminists alike.  

Today, let us come together to celebrate and pay tribute to a woman whose legacy continues to inspire and guide us toward a brighter future for all Gambians.

When we speak of Amie Joof-Cole, we recount a life fueled by purpose, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to justice. Her journey resonates powerfully with philosopher Søren Kierkegaard’s insight: “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

In reflecting on Amie’s extraordinary path, we not only recognise the battles she has bravely fought but also the relentless momentum she has maintained to inspire transformative progress in The Gambia, Africa, and beyond. 

Amie Joof-Cole’s odyssey through journalism, gender activism, and pro-democracy advocacy brings to mind Audre Lorde’s potent assertion: “The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” 

Much like Lorde, Amie exemplifies the courage and creativity essential to dismantling deeply entrenched systems of oppression, forging a path for marginalised voices to rise and for justice to triumph.

Her bravery conveys a universal truth: freedom is seldom granted; it must be fought for with passion and perseverance.
Throughout her illustrious career, Amie’s unwavering commitment to truth resonates with James Baldwin’s belief that “The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which have been hidden by the answers”. 

Baldwin’s perspective aligns seamlessly with Amie’s work as a journalist—a field that demands exceptional bravery to challenge power and expose uncomfortable truths, even when doing so puts her in harm’s way. 

By hosting The Independent newspaper in her family compound and providing sanctuary to exiled journalists, she redefined what it means to safeguard the sanctity of the press. Just as Simone de Beauvoir’s writings on gender shattered societal norms, Amie’s activism has boldly disrupted the status quo. De Beauvoir once articulated, “The most important thing is not what society thinks of me, but what I think of myself.” 

Amie embodies this ethos, remaining resolute in her principles, undeterred by political persecution or societal expectations. Her pivotal role in shaping gender discourse in West and Central Africa stands as a testament to her enduring fight for equality and representation.

As a mentor and guide to rising journalists, Amie’s influence mirrors that of Maya Angelou, whose words strike a deep chord: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

Through her mentorship, Amie has inspired generations to carry forth the torch of truth, justice, and equality, leaving an indelible impact on the lives she has touched. 

My relationship with Amie Joof-Cole began in the tumultuous 1990s and 2000s, during the height of The Gambia’s pro-democracy struggle. It was an era marked by Yahya Jammeh’s brutal military dictatorship, silencing dissent through systematic oppression, media censorship, and the curtailing of civil liberties. 

In this oppressive climate, Amie’s courage shone like a beacon, becoming a lifeline for civil rights and pro-democracy activists, particularly those in the diaspora, offering not only strategic insights but also tangible support.

Amie’s pivotal role in establishing The Independent newspaper serves as a profound testament to her fearlessness. Hosting the publication in her family compound while journalism was under siege was an act of both defiance and compassion. 

Her decision symbolised her unwavering belief in the press’s power to drive accountability and societal change. As George Orwell famously stated, “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations.” 

Amie exemplified Orwell’s ethos, demonstrating an unyielding dedication to the truth. The struggle for democracy demanded more than courage; it called for vision, collaboration, and strategic acumen. Understanding this necessity, Amie facilitated connections with Professor Kwame Karikari, a distinguished Ghanaian media expert, to establish the Centre for Democracy and Development.

This institution became a sanctuary for exiled Gambian journalists and a hub for training and capacity building, reflecting Amie’s belief in empowering others as a means of sustaining the movement. Her efforts resonate with Nelson Mandela’s powerful assertion that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Amie Joof-Cole’s advocacy extends far beyond the pro-democracy movement; it embodies a lifelong dedication to gender equality and media freedom. As Executive Director of FAMEDEV, she has mentored countless aspiring journalists and activists, instilling in them the core values of integrity and resilience.

Her leadership at GRTS further showcases her ability to break barriers and set transformative standards in a male-dominated field. Her work as a Trainer and Regional Coordinator for the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) in West and Central Africa underscores her commitment to challenging gender stereotypes in media representation. 

This aligns with feminist writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s critique of unequal narratives: “We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. Why?” Amie’s tireless efforts not only countered these stereotypes but also paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.

Amie’s influence has profoundly shaped electoral processes, where she served as an expert in Gender, Peace, and Conflict Prevention for ECOWAS and the African Union. 

In these pivotal roles, Amie Joof-Cole demonstrated her belief that women’s participation in governance and peace-building is not merely advantageous but critical for societal advancement. Her activism resonates with Eleanor Roosevelt’s powerful assertion: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

During the oppressive years of Yahya Jammeh’s regime, countless Gambian journalists were forced into exile to escape persecution and imprisonment. In this dire context, Amie Joof-Cole emerged as a beacon of hope, offering refuge and resources to these individuals so they could continue their vital work. 

Her courageous efforts in Senegal, particularly through the launch of Alternative Voice Radio, highlight her resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. 

This act of defiance brings to mind the words of Ida B. Wells, the pioneering African American journalist: “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” Amie not only shone a light on the injustices perpetrated by Jammeh but also confronted the broader systems of oppression that stifled freedom and progress. 

She ensured that the voices of exiled journalists were not merely heard but amplified, creating vital platforms for them to speak truth to power. Amie Joof-Cole’s narrative is deeply intertwined with the broader history of The Gambia—an inspiring saga of struggle, resilience, and ultimate liberation. 

As the nation continues to wrestle with challenges such as corruption and disillusionment, Amie’s relentless work serves as a powerful reminder of what is achievable when passion and action converge. 

Her activism echoes the powerful words of Chinua Achebe: “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” Her integral role in launching Radio Alternative Voice (Radio AVG) underscores her unwavering commitment to media freedom and democracy. 

Amie’s passionate declaration about the station’s mission encapsulates her ethos: “We cannot continue to live in a country where divergent views cannot be expressed.” This belief embodies her life’s work—a relentless pursuit of a society in which freedom of expression and equality are not mere aspirations but lived realities. Amie’s life story possesses an epic quality, reminiscent of the narratives crafted by literary giants.

Her journey aligns with the characters in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” and Nadine Gordimer’s poignant examinations of apartheid—both of which highlight the themes of resilience and resistance. The philosophical insights of Hannah Arendt’s “The Human Condition” also resonate in Amie’s activism, particularly her emphasis on “action” as a force of transformation.

Her steadfast dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding aligns seamlessly with Maya Angelou’s belief: “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” Amie has not only drawn wisdom from history but also empowered others to rewrite it through courage, collaboration, and compassion. 

Amie Joof-Cole’s legacy is a rich tapestry woven from threads of courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment. Like the great leaders, writers, and philosophers before her, she illustrates that true change is not achieved by acquiescing to the status quo but by fervently challenging it at every opportunity. 

Her life’s work inspires us to question, act, and envision a brighter future. As The Gambia continues its journey toward justice and equity, Amie Joof-Cole’s story will shine as a guiding light—a powerful testament to the transformative force of purpose-driven leadership.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow