The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has expressed concern over a proposal by the Gambian government to register journalists and social media users, backing the Gambia Press Union (GPU) in rejecting the move.

In a statement issued in Accra, WAES said the proposal risks undermining press freedom at a time when efforts should be focused on strengthening the media.

The society pointed to provisions in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, which guarantee freedom of expression and the independence of the press, while also emphasising the responsibility of the media to hold authorities accountable.

WAES warned that registration systems have, in other contexts, been used to restrict and control the media.

“Such media registration regimes should not be countenanced in any democracy,” said Emmanuel K Dogbevi, the group’s interim president.

He added that journalism plays a vital role in ensuring accountability and responsible governance, cautioning against any measures that could suppress press freedom.

The organisation called on the Gambian authorities to reconsider the proposal, arguing that it could weaken democratic institutions by limiting critical voices.

The statement also reaffirmed WAES’s support for the GPU, which has already rejected the proposal, describing it as a threat to independent journalism.

The Gambian government has yet to respond publicly to the concerns raised.

WAES is a regional body representing editors across West Africa and is affiliated with the African Editors Forum.

By Adama Makasuba