The International Federation of Journalists expressed condolences and sympathy to colleagues and families of two journalists killed in a tragic car accident in Guinea Bissau last week involving media staff travelling to an event to mark World Aids Day on December 1st.
Fifteen journalists from six media institutions were involved in the road accident, as they were covering events in the Guinea Bissau region of Gabu, some 200km from the capital Bissau. The tyre of the mini-van in which they were travelling burst and the van somersaulted. Two journalists, Aruna Djamanca and Baldeh died on the spot.
The remaining 13 journalists were flown to Dakar for medical treatment with the assistance of the Senegalese army. Two of them were admitted to hospital with serious injuries and were said later to be critical condition.
“This is news of yet another tragedy for journalism” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary, “coming as it does with the news of the appalling events in Iran. The IFJ will provide continuing support for our colleagues and will follow up the treatment of those injured through its regional office for Africa in Dakar”.
The remaining 11 journalists are presently lodged at a guest house. Some of them are injured but are yet to receive proper treatment as they as they do not have enough money to purchase medicines prescribed for them. “This is an appalling situation that we are seeking to resolve,” said White.
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The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries