The Gambia Press Union (GPU), alongside media stakeholders, regulatory and professional bodies, academic institutions, and civil society organisations, has firmly rejected a government proposal seeking to register journalists, online media platforms, and social media users.
The proposed regulations, introduced by the Ministry of Information in collaboration with the state-controlled Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), include provisions for the registration and licensing of journalists and online platforms, as well as the moderation of digital content. Stakeholders warn that these measures risk undermining recent gains in press freedom and freedom of expression in The Gambia.
At an emergency meeting convened by the GPU on 8 April 2026, participants unanimously resolved that the proposed state-controlled registration and accreditation framework would grant excessive and arbitrary powers to the government in determining who is permitted to practise journalism.
GPU Secretary General Modou S. Joof criticised the proposal, stating that it would empower PURA to register, suspend, or revoke the credentials of journalists and influential social media users. He further argued that such measures fall outside PURA’s statutory mandate, constituting an unlawful extension of administrative authority.
In a resolution endorsed by 16 media, professional, academic, and civil society groups, stakeholders expressed concern that the regulations would not only restrict online freedom of expression but also promote state censorship, enable undue content moderation, and interfere with editorial independence.
The GPU and its partners have also resolved to reject the proposal in its entirety and to refrain from participating in any related consultations. GPU President Isatou Keita emphasised that engagement in the process would risk legitimising what they describe as a state-controlled system of accreditation and registration.
“We hereby totally reject the proposal,” Keita stated, adding that participation in consultations on the Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations, 2026, related licensing and registration guidelines, and journalist registration frameworks would undermine their position.
Stakeholders further called on journalists, media organisations, and social media users to refrain from registering under the proposed system, warning that it could erode constitutional rights, including the right to practise journalism, seek employment, and freely access and disseminate information.
The resolution also indicates that, should the regulations be enacted and enforced, they will be challenged in both domestic and regional courts.
As an alternative, stakeholders urged the government to abandon plans for a state-controlled regulatory regime and instead strengthen the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG), a self-regulatory body established by the GPU. They noted that this approach aligns with the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, which encourages independent, impartial, and effective media self-regulation.
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