Journalism, like other noble professions must operate on the lines of friendship based on mutual understanding and cooperation at all times, in accordance with the spirit and letter of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, which in no uncertain terms guarantee the right to opinion and freedom of expression.

The Daily Observer newspaper deserves the right as a media outlet to publish articles and issues of human interest at both local and international level with clarity and precision, coupled with the highest sense of professionalism. The paper is rightfully doing such since its inception to date. The paper, like any other media houses in including Foroyaa newspaper, has its own editorial policy. 

Foroyaa newspaper's reaction to a story in the Daily Observer edition of 23rd November, about a letter sent to the Senegalese president, Abdoulie Wade, by Kukoi Samba Sanyang, a Gambian desident and masterminder of the  July 1981 arbortive coup plot, has indeed left much to be desired as far as efforts geared towards promoting and strengthening healthy work relationship among different media houses in the country is concerned. The paper published the said story in good faith based on its authenticity and nothing beyond that.

It is however unfortunate that our colleagues misunderstood the simple message contained in this publication and went to the extent of writing an editorial suggesting the contrary. The said editorial suggested among other things that the Observer publication indicated an existence of bad relations between The Gambia and her sister Republic of Senegal, whilst relations between The Gambia and  Iran went up considering the coincidence of the state visit by the Iranian president, which was followed by the signing of MoU between the two states.  

Foroyaa's publication went  further to pose an interesting  question to the Office of the President as to whether the said observer publication does not offend the Gambian leader, President Jammeh, on the premise that the said letter authored by Kukoi was published verbatim. To cut the story short, what our colleagues at the Foroyaa newspaper need to understand is that they cannot in any way  stand to teach  the Daily Observer on the ethics and basic principles of journalism. 

We  know what it takes to publish false and baseless stories or libelous and sedious items. It is expected of everyone to know and acquaint themselves with laws and policies governing their operations. There are laws governing the operations of media in the country and the Daily Observer dares not publish a story of that magnitude, a story for that matter involving two countries considered to be one family, brothers and sisters just divided by colonial masters. A word is enough for Foroyaa newspaper. 

Let us be guided by common reasons, love for the country and commitment towards achieving sustainable development of the country in peace, progress and prosperity.We at the Daily Observer value and jealously guard our editorial policy and adopted similar respect for others in operation as media outlets in the country. It is high time that we gave peace a chance and development of The Gambia for the interest all instead of engaging in efforts meant to sour our  relations.