In a strong show of unity, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and a broad coalition of media stakeholders, regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations have outright rejected a controversial government proposal to register journalists, online media outlets, and influential social media users.
The proposal, put forward by the Ministry of Information and the state-controlled Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), includes new Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations, 2026, along with licensing, registration, and authorization guidelines. Stakeholders warn that the measures would grant PURA sweeping powers to register, suspend, or revoke journalists’ and social media users’ registrations, effectively allowing the government to determine who can practice journalism.
At an emergency meeting convened at the GPU headquarters on 8 April 2026, participants described the regulations as an unlawful overreach that falls outside PURA’s statutory mandate. GPU Secretary General Modou S. Joof criticized the move, stating that it would reverse hard-won gains in press freedom and freedom of expression since the country’s democratic transition.
“The regulations give PURA the powers to register, suspend registration, or revoke registration of journalists and influential social media users,” Joof said. “This constitutes an unlawful exercise of administrative authority.”
A joint resolution endorsed by 16 professional media associations, regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and civil society groups warned that the proposals promote state censorship, online content moderation, and interference in editorial independence. They argued that the framework threatens constitutional rights to seek, receive, and impart information, as well as the right to free expression.
GPU President Isatou Keita delivered a firm message: “We hereby totally reject the proposal. We cannot participate in the proposed consultations… since our participation would be seen to legitimize the proposed state-controlled system of accreditation and registration of journalists, online media, and social media users.”
The stakeholders resolved not to engage with PURA’s initiative or lend it any legitimacy. They urged all journalists, media houses, and social media users to refrain from registering with the authority, warning that doing so could result in the arbitrary stripping of their fundamental rights.
The resolution further stated that if the regulations are enacted and enforced, they will be challenged in both domestic and regional courts. The groups called on the government to immediately abandon the plan and instead strengthen the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG), an independent self-regulatory body established by the GPU.
They cited the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, which encourages impartial media self-regulation and requires that any public regulatory authority overseeing broadcasting, telecommunications, or internet infrastructure remain independent of political or commercial interference.
The united front by Gambian media and civil society sends a clear signal that any attempt to reintroduce state control over journalism and online expression will face stiff resistance. Regional and international press freedom advocates are closely watching the development.
