Co-founder of The Point, a Gambian newspaper, and a prominent journalist who fearlessly reported on government corruption and human rights abuses, ultimately paying the ultimate price for his courage.
Deyda Hydara was a Gambian journalist, editor, and passionate advocate for press freedom, best known for co-founding The Point, a prominent independent newspaper in the Gambia. As a correspondent for AFP News Agency and Reporters Without Borders for over 30 years, Hydara's unwavering commitment to truthful reporting earned him respect and acclaim, as well as the ire of the Gambian government.
Born on June 9, 1946, Hydara's fascination with journalism began at a young age. He started his career as a freelance journalist, working as a radio presenter for Radio Syd in the Gambia. This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors, including the establishment of The Point in 1991.
Hydara co-founded The Point with Pap Saine and Babucarr Gaye Saine, with the aim of promoting free speech and holding those in power accountable. After Gaye's departure, Hydara and Saine continued to run the paper, fearlessly reporting on government corruption and human rights abuses. Under Hydara's editorial leadership, The Point became a thorn in the side of the Gambian government, which repeatedly attempted to silence the newspaper through censorship, harassment, and intimidation.
Hydara's relentless pursuit of truth and accountability made him a target for government repression. On December 14, 2004, the Gambian government passed two draconian media laws, criminalizing defamation and sedition, and forcing newspaper owners to register their homes as security. Undaunted, Hydara announced his intention to challenge these laws, but his life was brutally cut short just two days later.
On December 16, 2004, Hydara was assassinated by an unknown gunman while driving home from work in Banjul. Two of his colleagues were also injured in the attack. The Gambian government's failure to properly investigate the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice sparked widespread outrage, with many accusing the government of complicity in the crime. Hydara's family filed a lawsuit against the government, and in 2014, an ECOWAS court ruled in their favor, awarding them 60,000 in damages and legal fees.
Hydara is survived by his wife and five children. His family's determination to seek justice for his murder has been a testament to his unwavering commitment to the principles of truth, freedom, and accountability.
In recognition of his courage and dedication to press freedom, Hydara was posthumously awarded numerous honors, including the Index on Censorship's Freedom of Expression Award and the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award.
Deyda Hydara's fearless advocacy for press freedom and his ultimate sacrifice have inspired generations of journalists, human rights activists, and ordinary citizens around the world. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a free and independent press in holding those in power accountable and promoting democratic values.
"My pen is my sword, and I will continue to write until my last breath."
Hydara's words, spoken during a 2004 interview, have become a rallying cry for journalists and human rights defenders fighting for press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.
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