Gambian rights group has strongly opposed government’s proposed media regulatory instruments warning that they pose   serious threat to press freedom and freedom of expression.

The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) voiced out its rejection of the proposal in a statement issued out recently.

The draft regulations, developed by the Ministry of Information in collaboration with PURA, include provisions on online content moderation, licensing, and registration of media actors.

EFSCRJ said it reviewed three instruments: the Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations, 2026; the Broadcasting and Online Content Licensing, Registration and Authorization Guidelines, 2026; and the Journalist Registration Guidelines, 2026.

The organization warned that the proposals would give PURA powers to register, suspend or revoke the registration of journalists and income-earning social media users.

“The proposed regulations on journalists and social media users’ registration and online media licensing fall outside PURA’s statutory powers and therefore constitute an unlawful exercise of administrative authority,” said Modou S. Joof, Secretary General of the Gambia Press Union (GPU).

Media stakeholders and civil society organizations raised similar concerns at an emergency meeting held on Wednesday.

EFSCRJ described the draft instruments as “a sweeping and draconian assault on media freedom”, warning that they go beyond the scope of the previously withdrawn Media Commission Bill.

The organization said the proposals could reverse democratic gains made since the end of authoritarian rule in 2017 and undermine efforts under the “Never Again” agenda.

It also objected to provisions requiring mandatory state registration of journalists and social media users, as well as broad state powers over online content removal and regulation.

“These measures violate constitutional guarantees and international obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and binding rulings of the ECOWAS Court,” EFSCRJ said.

The group called for the “total and immediate withdrawal” of the draft regulations and urged the government to prioritize policies that promote media development and respect for fundamental rights.

It warned that adopting the measures could damage Gambia’s international press freedom standing and attract criticism from partners.

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