In my presentation to the Gambian students in India yesterday, 30^th May 2026, I made a strong argument that the Rwandan genocide was not caused by professionally-trained journalists; rather, some extremist allies of the then Rwandan president, Juvenal Habyarimana – who founded the radio for the purpose of inciting deep division and hatred in that nation, leading to the infamous Rwandan genocide.

“The first Gambian newspapers were founded in the 1890s, when there were no political parties existing in the country,” I drove home the point for media freedom and responsibility: “If the media would burn this country, we would have done that by now,”

In my presentation to the webinar participants, comprising some three dozen students, mainly from various universities in India: “If there is any chance of provoking division and hatred among this nation, it’d be from your politicians and political allies who would benefit from such a hate and division just like Rwanda.”

The topic was Shaping a Future at Peace, focusing on Press Freedom: Navigating Misinformation in a Connected Society. I drew from my two-and-a-half decades of experience and training in journalism and public communication in The Gambia, to lead an hour-long discussion on this topic, citing instances where press freedom violations – even in extreme circumstances – where there has never been a threat to Gambia’s national peace. Neither has the media incited conflicts throughout our almost 140 years of history.

“Radio Television des Mille Collins (RTML) of Rwanda became key in mobilizing the the Rwandan population. It propagated messages of kill-or-be-killed, acted as a monopoly on truth, and creating a narrative of self-defense for one tribe against another.”

Such was the infamous story of how Rwandan genocide occurred between 1993 and 1994, as established by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for RWANDA, which found media figures – not journalists – guilty of inciting genocide.

In The Gambia, the government has the responsibility of registering and issuing license for media houses. However, whenever there is ethical violations or complaints against conduct of the media, they shift blames on the Gambia Press Union as the body of journalists that represents interest of the media through advocacy, training and others.

“As the social media instantly influences opinions in this digital information, shaping societies and democracies, peace would very much depend on truth, trust in national institutions, and informed citizens,’ I further explained to the students, adding that as young people, they all have very major roles to play in digital communication.

“Therefore, freedom of the press entails the ability of journalists to report news without fear. It also means that the public enjoys access to accurate information,” I reasoned. “Media accountability and transparency are therefore an essential pillar of democracy and peace.”

Following the 30-minute presentation, floors were opened for questions. A barrage of questions was directed at me, mainly focusing on media independence, freedom and the government’s recent regulation efforts that was resisted by the Gambia Press Union. Questions like how such regulations threaten press freedom and how can the public ensure social media accountability, were also addressed for the students.

Other questions touched on the press and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and my favourite one was, how do the media ensure that the country does not slide back to where we came from (a dark history of the Jammeh rule).

In her closing remarks, Mrs Isatou Jatta Gassama, the elected Minister of Information for the Gambian students’ association in India, remarked that it is everyone’s duty to continue fighting for a world where truth is not silenced. She urged all to continue carrying that light for truth and accountability’s sake.

The webinar was hosted by David Gibba and co-hosted by Ms Fatou Faye – both Gambian students studying in India. Sarjo A.K. Jarju, President of the association gave the vote of thanks.