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Gambia: Freedom Newspaper Accuses Gamtel of Blockade
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FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
26 March 2008
Posted to the web 26 March 2008
Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Freedom Newspaper, an online newspaper, has accused the Gambia Telecommunication Company (GAMTEL), of blocking the online paper's websites' IP-address, following a story it carried about the company. The paper on March 9, reported that GAMTEL is on the brink of total bankruptcy due to mismanagement.
For some time now, Gambians have been unable to access the online paper based in the United States of America. The newspaper is known for its criticism of President Jammeh's administration. The paper can now be accessed only outside the boundaries of the Gambia. They are now pointing a finger at GAMTEL, the country's principal internet service provider, for blocking Gambians at home from accessing its online internet.
Foroyaa spoke to Mr Yaya Manneh of GAMTELS' internet section for clarification. Mr. Manneh pointed out that he is not the right channel to speak on that matter; that he is not entitled to speak to the media. He directed this reporter to Mr. Amadou Touray. However, several attempts were made to speak to Mr. Touray but to no avail. He could not be reached through his office and cell phones. Three visits were also made to GAMTEL to see him but to avail.
This is not the first time the Freedom Newspaper has complained of state intervention. On May 23, 2005, the Freedom Newspaper and All Gambia, another online newspaper, were blocked following the hacking of the Freedom Newspaper's website, after Daily Observer newspaper published personal details (including names and phone numbers) of many Gambians. Several people, including five journalists, were arrested and detained for several days without charge before being released. The five journalists were Musa Sheriff, Pa Modou Faal, Lamin Cham, Pa Malick Mboob and Sam Obi. Omar Bah, Daily Observer editor escaped into exile, when he was declared wanted for his alleged contribution to the website.
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