Accra, April 12, 2026: The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has viewed with grave concerns the position taken by the Gambian authorities in proposing to register journalists and social media users, a decision that the Gambian Press Union (GPU) has outrightly and totally rejected.
WAES believes in the unfettered freedom of the press and media fully guaranteed under the constitution of the Republic of The Gambia. Sections 25 and 207 of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, guarantees every person’s right to freedom of speech and expression; including the freedom and independence of the press and other media, while acknowledging the duty of the media to uphold constitutional principles and ensure that the media holds duty bearers accountable while serving the public interest.
It is therefore worrying that the Gambian authorities at this critical point in the history of the country, at a time when efforts should be made to strengthen the media, protect journalists and journalistic integrity by providing the necessary resources, to enable the media to play its essential roles within the laws to safeguard and strengthen democracy, that such proposal is being introduced.
It is no secret that registration and accreditation systems have been used as a tool to manipulate, silence and restrict the media from holding power to account. Introducing such a regime at this time leaves no one in doubt that there is possibly a hidden agenda to muzzle the media at a time they are most needed.
In solidarity with our comrades in The Gambia, WAES offers its unwavering support to the GPU and its rejection of the ominous proposal to register journalists.
“Such media registration regimes should not be countenanced in any democracy, nor should they be allowed to come into being. Journalism is an important tool for ensuring accountability and responsible governance. No tool that can be used to suppress press freedom should be allowed anywhere in a democratic society,” says Emmanuel K Dogbevi, the interim President of the West Africa Editors Society.
“We are therefore calling on the Gambian authorities to shelve such a proposal, that does not strengthen democracy, but only weakens it, by silencing necessary and critical voices,” he added.
Press freedom is not a privilege. It is a right. And we call on the Gambian authorities to ensure that the media is provided with all the necessary protection and resources to do its work.
Note to Editors:
The West Africa Editors Society is a regional body representing editors in West Africa. It is an affiliate of The African Editors Forum (TAEF), which is the continental group of editors in Africa.
