The Gambian ministry responsible for Communication, Information and Technology, in a press release issued on October 25, 2005, revoked the licence issued to Sud Communications Company Ltd, which gave it the legal mandate to operate a radio station in The Gambia.

The statement also warned that the government of The Gambia would not entertain the activities of any individual or corporate body that could jeopardise relations between The Gambia and its neighbours. Media activities that may incite violence - be it religious, economic or political - would not be condoned.

The Jammeh Government insisted that the revocation of the radio station's licence was done "in the spirit of fostering good neighbourliness, promoting mutual understanding and cordial relations between The Gambia and neighbouring Senegal."

According to Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)-Gambia sources, the press statement indicated that the misinterpretation of Salif Sadio's interview, which resulted in the closure of all Sud FM stations in Senegal and Sud FM Radio in Banjul, had led to derogatory remarks against Maitre Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal and security forces of Senegal.

The statement said that in view of the continuous need to foster good neighbourliness, promote mutual understanding and cordial relations with all its neighbours, the Government of The Gambia had decided to cease being host to Sud FM Banjul.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Send appeals to the president: - expressing concern about the revocation of Sud FM's licence in this era of liberalisation of the airwaves - noting that the station's closure is an indirect way of undermining press freedom and free expression - urging him to respect freedom of expression and to reopen the station immediately

APPEALS TO:

H. E. Yahyah A. A. Jammeh President of the Republic of The Gambia Banjul, The Gambia

C/o The Director of Press/Public Relations President's Office New Administration Building Quadrangle, Banjul, The Gambia Tel: +233 21 201 031 / 226 316 Fax: +233 21 226 696

C/o The Minister of Foreign Affairs 4 Muammar Ghadaffi Avenue Banjul, The Gambia Tel: +233 21 223 577 Fax: +233 21 223 578

Please copy appeals to the source if possible.