The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has called on the government to withdraw and abandon the proposed National Press Accreditation Policy and the Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations, 2025, warning that they pose a serious threat to press freedom and freedom of expression.

In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, the organisation expressed “serious concern” over the proposals, stating that several provisions risk undermining constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations.

EFSCRJ acknowledged the government’s role in promoting professionalism and ethical standards in the media sector but stressed that the current proposals go beyond regulation and introduce what it described as “permission-based journalism.”

The group warned that mandatory accreditation and registration requirements for journalists, as well as controls over online content creators, could create “a chilling effect on journalists, bloggers, and civic actors whose work is essential to ensuring transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse.”

According to the organisation, the accreditation system effectively amounts to licensing in disguise.

“While registration schemes are not automatically illegitimate, they must be purely administrative and not create barriers to practice,” the letter stated, adding that requirements such as certificates of good character, portfolio reviews, and fees introduce discretionary hurdles that could limit who practices journalism.

EFSCRJ also raised concerns over broad definitions of prohibited content, warning that vague terms could lead to arbitrary enforcement.

It noted that such provisions fail the test of legal clarity, making it difficult for journalists and content creators to determine what may attract sanctions.

The organisation further criticised the proposed registration of journalists and social media users, arguing that the power to suspend or cancel registration could be used to silence critical voices. It pointed out that similar laws have been challenged in regional courts for restricting the right to impart information.

Another key concern highlighted was the expanded role of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), which EFSCRJ said lacks the institutional mandate to regulate media content and professional conduct.

The group warned that assigning such powers to a utilities regulator raises questions about independence and opens the door to political interference.

The policy’s requirement for security clearances for journalists was also described as troubling. EFSCRJ cautioned that such measures could be used to exclude critical reporters, recalling practices from the country’s past era of repression.

Beyond journalists, the organisation warned that the regulations could also affect activists and ordinary citizens, particularly those documenting protests or public events online.

It said the broad scope of the rules risks shrinking civic space and discouraging public participation.

EFSCRJ concluded that the proposed frameworks “pose a direct and significant threat” to media freedom and democratic governance.

It urged the government to withdraw the policies entirely and instead engage in broad consultations with stakeholders, including the Gambia Press Union, civil society, and legal experts.

The organisation emphasised that any future reforms should strengthen independent self-regulation and align with constitutional principles, rather than expand executive control over the media.

By Adama Makasuba