Africa-Press – Gambia. The Lord Mayoress of Banjul City Council (BCC), Rohey Malick Lowe, has questioned the government’s attempt to introduce a new media regulation framework, describing the move as ill-timed and potentially biased.
The proposed regulation reportedly initiated under the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has sparked concern among stakeholders including the Gambia Press Union (GPU) leadership headed by Isatou Keita.
In a statement shared on her Facebook page, Ms Lowe raised doubts about the timing of the initiative, asking why similar measures were not introduced under previous male-led GPU administrations.
She suggested that the move could be perceived as an attempt to undermine the current female leadership of the union.
“If such an approach had been attempted during male-led administrations, it would have faced strong resistance,” she said, adding that authorities are aware that “power rarely concedes without resistance.”
The mayoress reaffirmed her support for the GPU president, noting that many Gambians stand in solidarity with the current leadership.
She also warned against actions that could lead to increased scrutiny or suppression of the media, stressing that the consequences could extend beyond journalists.
“When they target independent journalists, they target all of us,” she stated.
Ms Lowe pledged continued support for Ms Keita and said she would closely monitor developments, vowing not to remain silent at a time when press freedom could be threatened.
Meanwhile, the proposed media regulation has drawn criticism from sections of the Gambian media and civil society, with some activists arguing that it could undermine press freedom.
Critics say the measure risks introducing undue control over the media, while calls grow for broader consultation before any policy is implemented.
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