Deyda Hydara - one of The Gambia’s most respected journalists who stood up to the dictatorial regime of former president Yahya Jammeh -  was killed in a drive-by shooting on 16 December 2004.

In 2019, testifying before the country’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, a soldier confessed that he was part of an elite paramilitary death squad that killed Deyda - on the direct orders of Jammeh. No one has yet been prosecuted for the crime. In partnership with A Safer World for the Truth, openDemocracy examines Deyda’s death - and commemorates his life. 

Jaliba Kuyateh played the music he wrote especially for this episode. Sound design by Lee Sparey. Episode research by Anita Mureithi. Written, produced and hosted by Penny Dale. 

Find out more about the work of A Safer World for the Truth  and openDemocracy.